Politics

Feathers In McCain's Cap

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

February 16, 2000 / 8:33 AM EST / CBS

What if John McCain is right? What if he really is "a Republican like Ronald Reagan, who can win," as his new radio ad proclaims?

Witness two key endorsements Wednesday, from two two men whose only common thread is that they're both Republicans: Gary Bauer and California Secretary of State Bill Jones.

Bauer has probably already started to recede from the nation's consciousness, although it was only two weeks ago he dropped out of the race for the White House. Bauer's conservative, Christian views might have pointed him toward Alan Keyes, or perhaps more practically toward George W. Bush, who has gone after the religious vote in South Carolina with a passion.

Another Defection?
A New York congressman concerned by George W. Bush's visit to a conservative school in South Carolina says he is reconsidering his support of the Texas governor. Accusing Bush of being "almost blind to Catholic sensibilities," Rep. Peter King said Wednesday he may back John McCain.

But on Wednesday, Bauer, referring to the "we hold these truths to be self-evident" passage from the Declaration of Independence, stood with McCain on a sunlit stage at Furman University in the Palmetto State and said "I know with all my heart that because John agrees with me and with you about those words, that he is the best shot we have to end the era of Bill and Hillary and Al Gore. And so, with great pride and without any hesitation, I am pleased to be here again to endorse John McCain."

Bauer brings a smattering of votes with him, not a flock, but it's telling that someone who positioned himself for months as a true conservative should opt for McCain: It points to a failure of Bush's rhetoric.

If McCain can win over conservative Christian voters, that may be the last piece of the puzzle for his campaign. Core Republicans joining independents equals a formula the McCain campaign thinks can put it over the top - add religious conservatives to that and you have a rout.

Meanwhile, on the other coast, one of the most powerful Republicans in California also endorsed McCain Wednesday. Secretary of State Bill Jones didn't just pick McCain over Bush, he deserted Bush.

"It is about winning, in the final analysis, and California will decide, as it always does, who wins," Jones said at press conference. Jones said McCain can "reach out to everyone," important in a state where only 35 percent of the voters call themselves Republicans.

Bush Bobs, McCain Weaves
With Bush and McCain butting heads during Tuesday's debate, Keyes has the opportunity to steal the GOP show.

Jones also said McCain offers "something none of the rest of us have:" He was referring to McCain's personal history - calling it a story and character so compelling it can "pierce cynicism."

Apparently, Jones, who had earlier endorsed Bush's campaign, doesn't feel that way about the Texas Governor.

Bush's campaign dismissed the defection Wednesday, citing its strong base of endorsements with in the state's legislature. Bush himself said "he ought to stay here."

"When George W. Bush secures the nomination, we will welcome the return of Bill Jones," a Bush campaign official said.

However, if Jones' defection touches off a stampede in McCain's direction, the March 7 winner-take-all primary in California could get as tight as the one slated for Saturday in South Carolina.