Senator makes N.H. a promise if he makes a presidential run

By Jill Zuckman, Globe Staff, January 31, 1999

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Senator John McCain, still hesitant to declare whether he will become a candidate for president, said three times yesterday that he would not campaign in Delaware if he decides to run.

"I've seen how the people of New Hampshire feel about the preservation of the first-in-the-nation status," said the Arizona Republican, adding that he is committed to it, too.

New Hampshire political officials have been trying to discourage presidential candidates from campaigning in Delaware in order to stop the state from encroaching on New Hampshire's turf. Delaware wants to schedule its primary four days after New Hampshire, which hasn't yet set a date for its primary.

McCain met yesterday morning with potential supporters, including House Speaker Donna Sytek and US Representative Charles Bass, over breakfast at the Center of New Hampshire Holiday Inn. He was escorted by former New Hampshire Senator Warren Rudman, who is touting McCain's candidacy.

"There's been quite a reaction from across the state, from all the counties, from everyone," said Rudman.

McCain said he intends to sit down with Rudman and other advisers this week to help him set up a timetable for a decision, which should come by the end of February. He said he is trying to gauge whether he would have support in New Hampshire, Iowa, and South Carolina, as well as enough money, to run a strong race.

"It's all kind of a mosaic," said McCain, who is also considering the effect on his family.

If he does run, McCain said he would like to talk about "freedom" for people in this country and around the world. He said he wants to see more democracy, less government intervention, a continuation of Ronald Reagan's government reform efforts, and a restoration of respect for the office of the presidency.

McCain has visited New Hampshire frequently during the last five presidential cycles. In 1996, McCain supported Senator Phil Gramm of Texas in his bid for the nomination and then threw himself behind former Senator Bob Dole when Gramm dropped out.

"I think I understand that the people of New Hampshire expect you to be visible, they expect you to understand their concerns, and they also -- I'm of the belief they are fiercely independent," he said.

McCain is well known for his leadership to overhaul campaign finance laws. If he decides to run for president, McCain said, he would not take money from political action committees, would not exploit any legal loopholes, and would not take so-called soft money from the GOP. He said he would take only contributions up to $1,000, which is the legal individual limit.