Peterson wants answers on energy from McCain’s campaign. In a recent interview, Peterson noted McCain’s stance on climate change, saying, “If global warming is our top energy priority, this country has no economic future.” Peterson, who didn’t endorse any candidate in the GOP primary, said, “None of them made energy their top issue.”
McCain senior campaign aide Douglas Holtz-Eakin is scheduled to meet with Peterson on June 24.
Peterson spokesman Patrick Creighton made it clear that his boss will not be pulling the lever for Obama: “I can guarantee that John Peterson is not going to publicly support or vote for Obama.”
Paul, meanwhile, is still campaigning in the presidential race, and his campaign boasts on its website that he received more than 45,000 votes on June 3 in the final three Republican primaries. After clinching the nomination in early March, McCain attracted less-than-expected support in the later primary states — drawing less than 80 percent of the vote in Indiana, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
In some ways, the lukewarm backing of some lawmakers could be a blessing, because congressional approval ratings are at an all-time low. And McCain himself has touted his independence, proudly pointing out that he has at times upset some of his Republican colleagues in Washington.
McCain campaign spokesman Tucker Bounds said, “John McCain has strong support among Republicans and even some others in the Congress for taking principled stands. While his support is rock solid, it also shouldn't be a surprise that Sen. McCain's bold record of independence on the issues isn't appreciated by every single Republican on Capitol Hill.”
Though the vast majority of congressional Republicans said they endorse McCain’s presidential bid, many supporters were hesitant to answer the question. Some of the members’ spokesmen either confirmed or denied their boss’s support but declined to speak for attribution about the rationale behind that member’s decision.
A few Republicans would not go so far as to say they support McCain, only confirming that they will back the Republican nominee in the general election.
“He will support the Republican nominee, who is likely to be John McCain,” said Wayne Hoffman, spokesman for Rep. Bill Sali (R-Idaho).
Doolittle’s and Tiahrt’s offices did not specify their disagreements with McCain, but both lawmakers were ardent opponents of McCain’s push for campaign finance reform six years ago.
McCain has consistently mocked the so-called “Bridge to Nowhere,” the infamous earmark championed by Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska). Young’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
Other members offered support for McCain, but indicated their opposition to a few of his positions.
Rep. James Walsh (R-N.Y.), for example, publicly backs McCain, but strongly disagrees with the presumptive nominee on immigration.
Raj Bharwani, spokesman for Rep. James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wis.), said, “Since he is a Republican, he would support the Republican nominee.” But, to get Sensenbrenner’s endorsement, the congressman would like “to have a meeting to discuss their differences.” Chart: GOP members not publicly backing or endorsing McCain (PDF)
Jackie Kucinich contributed to this article.
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