Sen. McCain Tells Democrats He Wants a Prominent Role in Debt Talks

Move alarming conservatives

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has told Democratic leaders he wants a prominent role in debt talks this fall, alarming conservatives.

McCain struck a major deal with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) this week to avert the "nuclear option" and approve seven of President Obama's nominees.

He gained kudos and Democratic friends, but some believe he undercut Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and handed Reid a big win.

Now McCain, his party's 2008 presidential nominee, wants to be in the room when negotiators seek a deal to raise the debt ceiling and prevent a government shutdown.