http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/knau/local-knau-881829.mp3
Phoenix, AZ – That first step was the move by Hayworth to quit his show on a
conservative-oriented Phoenix talk radio station. He has used
that platform repeatedly to bash McCain who he considers too
liberal on issues like immigration. But Hayworth couldn't keep
the job and run for office without running into legal problems.
The announcement comes the same day a Rasmussen poll showed
McCain leading Hayworth by a 53-31 margin. That compares with a
November survey showing Hayworth within two points of the
incumbent. But Hayworth said he's not worried.
(When you take a closer look at the numbers, Sen. McCain has some
real trouble. These numbers today, when they are certainly
different from the first Rasmussen poll, still indicate a
candidate, an incumbent, who has trouble.)
That trouble is reflected in the results of a separate survey
last September which found 61 percent of Arizona Republicans said
McCain had lost touch with his own party, up 11 points from an
identical survey in May. Conversely, on a national level, 59
percent of Republicans said that Sarah Palin, his vice
presidential running mate, shares their values. McCain is trying
to capitalize on that popularity to boost his appeal to the
party's conservative base: He is bringing Palin to Arizona in
March to campaign for him. For Arizona Public Radio this is
Howard Fischer.