McCain ‘ready’ for possible primary challenge

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) officially kicked off his reelection campaign in Phoenix on Tuesday, saying he is “ready for whatever comes,” as he faces a possible primary challenge.

“No success in my life has ever come without a good fight,” he said speaking at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce luncheon. “I’m eager to get started and ready for whatever comes.”

McCain used his speech in Phoenix to highlight his work on military and veterans’ issues, as well as foreign policy.

{mosads}He referenced Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to bar him from entering his country, as well as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) labeling him a “crusader.”

“I know I’ve got my faults,” he said. “But when I get that kind of reaction from America’s enemies, I must be doing something right.”

The Arizona senator also touted his efforts leading the fight to block the Air Force from retiring the A-10. He said the outcome of the fight would have repercussions for Arizona, noting that “many [jets ]… are stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson.”

He also used the speech to paint a stark contrast between himself and President Obama, whom he frequently criticizes on military issues and foreign policy.

“Most of all, Arizonans worry like never before about the security of the country – and a president who refuses to lead,” he said. “And, as the new chairman of the Armed Services Committee, I’ve never been in a better position to help our military defeat our enemies and secure our nation.”

McCain, who is running for a sixth term in the Senate, will likely face a primary challenge, with the Senate Conservatives Fund quickly urging its members to “replace him with a strong conservative leader.”

“John McCain lost his way a long time ago and it’s time to replace him with a strong conservative leader who will support and defend the Constitution,” the group said in an email from SFC President Ken Cuccinelli II.

Republican state Sen. Kelli Ward is considering a primary challenge to McCain, while national outside groups are hoping to lure Sen. Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.) into the race.

But McCain said he is “determined as ever” to earn voters’ trust.

“I’m as determined as ever to deserve your trust – and as grateful as ever for the privilege,” he said. “It is the honor of my life to serve you.”

In 2010, McCain defeated former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.) in the GOP Senate primary.