February 24, 2008
Likely Republican presidential nominee John McCain assured GOP governors Saturday that he's a staunch backer of states rights, furthering his efforts to reach out to all parts of the party.
''I'm a federalist,'' the Arizona senator said,
emphasizing a division of power between the federal and state governments.
''Only the things that the states can't do should the federal government
do.
''Governments matter,'' he said, repeating the phrase three times for emphasis. ''I want to work with you so we can keep more of the money in your state, and that means further tax cuts if necessary.''
However, he said, some issues remain federal responsibilities, including border security.
McCain used his speech at a Republican Governors Association dinner to continue trying to unite the party by courting the GOP establishment that often has viewed him skeptically for his independent streak and willingness to buck the party on several high-profile issues.
He received a standing ovation as he rose to speak. Sitting before him were most of the nation's 22 GOP governors in an ornate room at the Willard InterContinental Hotel just a couple of blocks from the White House McCain hopes to occupy and Republicans hope to hold onto in January
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