McCain braces for squeaker in today's primary
He's expected to prevail, but a big win would go a long way to calm Republicans anxious about a potential upset.
By Burgess Everett
08/30/16 05:25 AM EDT
PHOENIX — John McCain is hoping for a blowout in his Senate primary on Tuesday. He’s bracing for a squeaker.
McCain says people in his state are angry, the economic recovery is uneven and the atmosphere is volatile. He expects to prevail over conservative challenger Kelli Ward, but the margin of victory will decide whether he barrels or limps into the toughest general election fight of his 34-year political career, against Democratic Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick.
“It’s not so much I think it’s close. I just don’t think you should heighten expectations,” McCain said in an interview. “The one thing you never want to do in politics is heighten expectations. You always want to lowball it. That's just the best way to handle it. Plan for the worst and hope for the best.”
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http://www.politico.com/story/2016/08/john-mccain-arizona-primary-ward-227511