Sen. McCain Campaigns in Key House Races in Illinois

November 1, 2006

Popular GOP Sen. John McCain of Arizona likes David McSweeney but that’s not the only reason he came out to campaign for him on Monday.

“As much as I admire and appreciate David McSweeney _ and I do _ this is also a key race as far as control of the House of Representatives is concerned,” McCain said after a downtown fundraiser for about 60 people helped raise $25,000 for McSweeney.

McSweeney’s contest against incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean isn’t the only tight race in Illinois that could help decide whether Republicans retain control of the U.S. House.

The other is the battle to replace retiring GOP Rep. Henry Hyde. McCain also went to the Chicago suburbs on Monday to campaign for the Republican candidate there, Peter Roskam. McCain appeared at a veterans endorsement event for Roskam, who’s locked in a close race with Democrat Tammy Duckworth.

Appearing with McSweeney, McCain acknowledged it’s not easy for Republicans this campaign season.

“Is this a tough year for Republicans, not just in Illinois but nationwide? Absolutely,” McCain said.

He said an “anti-Republican” feeling is one of the reasons some congressional races are so close, including those in Illinois.

Topics Illinois

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