More attacks on McCain

GOP conservatives will not let up in their attacks on John McCain for straying from the Bush administration line on terror detainees and the Geneva Conventions. Even the "pro-family" groups are bashing McCain. Not sure what torture and terrorists have to do with pro-family issues, but...

The attack from the right, which coalesced over the weekend, could undercut McCain's effort to woo Bush backers and other party regulars for an anticipated 2008 presidential bid. His position on terrorism prisoners has fueled critics' skepticism about McCain's conservative credentials.

"This very definitely is going to put a chilling effect on the tremendous strides he has made in the conservative evangelical community," said the Rev. Louis P. Sheldon, chairman of the Traditional Values Coalition, one of several conservative activists who support Bush's proposal on interrogation techniques.

But this could be a big plus for JMac with independents and conservative Dems in the general. His posse sure believes it.

His aides say McCain's position in the interrogation dispute is a matter of conscience — not calculation — but they still see a political upside."When he does the right thing and he knows it, that works out well for him," said John Weaver, a top political advisor to McCain. "He's going to see this through."