McKenna to endorse McCain

OLYMPIA — Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna will endorse Republican Sen. John McCain for president today.

McCain, a frequent visitor to the West's second-largest state, was scheduled to give a major foreign-policy address today in Seattle and planned private meetings with local backers and potential supporters.

Although state GOP Chairman Luke Esser said none of the party's main three White House hopefuls has front-runner status here, McCain is viewed as having the strongest organization so far, including backers who helped his strong showing in his 2000 primary against George W. Bush.

The Arizona senator will announce McKenna's backing. McKenna, a moderate who is considered a rising star in the state party, is one of three statewide GOP officials.

"John McCain is an impressive leader with a record of public service that's beyond reproach," McKenna said. "He understands the difficult challenges our country faces. He has the experience and fortitude to bring people together for solutions we need."

McCain, in a statement from his exploratory campaign office in Arlington, Va., said the backing of state leaders like the attorney general is significant.

"In order to have a meaningful discussion with voters about the choices and challenges ahead, it's important for me to have thoughtful leaders like Rob on my team," he said. "He's a respected public servant and his knowledge of important issues in the state of Washington is going to be invaluable to our effort."

Neither of the other two statewide Republicans, Secretary of State Sam Reed and Land Commissioner Doug Sutherland, both moderates, has endorsed any candidate for president. Reed said that as chief elections officer, he doesn't plan to endorse anyone.