Associated Press - McCain To Conservatives: Trust Me

News Article

Associated Press - McCain To Conservatives: Trust Me

By Liz Sidoti, AP
October 19, 2007

Article Excerpt

Republican presidential hopeful John McCain's argument as he woos restive religious and social conservatives comes down to this: "I have a record that can be trusted."

His GOP rivals, he suggests, do not.

"I'll match my record of defending conservative principles against any other candidate in this race," McCain says in remarks prepared for delivery Friday at a gathering of "values voters." "I know you might not always agree with me on every issue, but I hope you know I'm not going to con you."

In excerpts of the speech made available to The Associated Press, McCain criticizes his opponents without naming them, implying that rivals such as Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson have been unfaithful to conservative tenants on social issues.

"This is not the time to turn our back on the progress we've made on the issues that matter most," McCain says, arguing that he has shown "a consistent commitment" to the issues religious and cultural conservatives hold dear.

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