With Obama On Brink Of Nomination, McCain Consultant Steps Aside

Mark McKinnon, John McCain's chief media consultant, wrote last year that he wouldn't campaign against Barack Obama were he to become the Democratic nominee.

With Obama now nearing the delegates he needs for the nomination, McKinnon says he is making good on the promise, the Associated Press reports.

McKinnon told AP in an email that he is "moving from middle linebacker to cheerleader," adding that he'll "still be around from time to time."

Explaining his pledge last year, McKinnon, a Democrat-turned-Republican, said that while he intended to vote for McCain, electing Obama "would send a great message to the country and the world."