Politics Is Hell on the Homefront, Too

Though he wins re-election handily every six years, and his machine still effectively runs Arizona Republican politics, it is kind of funny how John McCain is despised, challenged and occasionally defeated (in minor elections) by activist Republicans in his home district, who dislike him because of immigration, abortion, and his temperament (not necessarily in that order). The latest, from an Arizona GOP insider:

John McCain's slate for important state convention delegates, was unable to muster the necessary votes to win in his own home district.

His list included three GOP precinct committeemen who had endorsed Democrat Janet Napolitano for governor and whose names appeared on the pro-abortion WISH List: Sharon Harper, Kahryn Nix and Brenda Sperduti. […]

Along with the cookies, cupcakes and McCain lapel stickers, a "Recommended McCain Delegates to State Convention" list printed on McCain's letterhead was distributed to committeemen entering the meeting. Previously, letters were mailed and follow-up phone calls made, to ensure support for McCain's hand-picked slate.

RealClearPolitics on "McCain's Arizona Problem" here. Seeing Red AZ's litany of complaints here.