McCain calls for an end to GOP debates

ORLANDO, Fla. — Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) called for an end to the Republican presidential debates on Friday, saying the endless square-offs had gotten out of control.

"It's time we stop the debates," McCain said. "We've had enough."

McCain, who won the GOP nomination in 2008 and has endorsed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R-Mass.) in 2012, said the unending debates — there have been 19 so far — were not bringing out the best in the GOP hopefuls.

"I'm tired of the mud wrestling," McCain said.

Ironically, the next debate is scheduled to take place in McCain's home state of Arizona on Feb 22.

Debating is not one of Romney's strengths, and he has left open the possibility of turning down debates scheduled after Florida. But Romney's performances have been getting stronger as of late — particularly in the most recent two, which followed his loss to Newt Gingrich in South Carolina.

Romney showed off a new level of aggression against Gingrich in the first Florida debate, and followed it up Thursday with a performance that observers said helped him reestablish his dominance over Gingrich, who has twice resurrected a dying campaign on the strength of his debating skills.

McCain joined Romney on Friday for a rally in Orlando, four days before a crucial primary contest in Florida. He referred to himself jovially as the "lounge act" as he warmed up the crowd with a slightly awkward but politely received stand-up act.

"Everywhere I go, people say, "I voted for you, I voted for you.' I should demand a recount," McCain said.

"And after [I lost], I slept like a baby. Sleep two hours, cry, sleep two hours, cry."

---