Nail Meet Coffin: Warner Backs McCain's Presidential Bid

The divisive and controversial Sen. John Warner (r)VA has given what could be called the cold kiss of death to Sen. John McCain's presidential aspirations.

Warner Backs McCain's Possible '08 Bid
By ZINIE CHEN SAMPSON

RICHMOND, Va. Feb 26, 2007 (AP)— Republican Sen. John W. Warner, the former chairman of the Armed Services Committee, on Monday endorsed Sen. John McCain for the Republican presidential nomination.

The five-term Virginia senator cited McCain's service in the Navy and his familiarity with military issues in a statement backing his longtime friend, who is expected to formally announce his candidacy next month.

"America's next president will be challenged by a range of diplomatic and security issues of unprecedented complexity largely due to growing, worldwide terrorist threats," Warner said in the statement, released by McCain's presidential exploratory committee. "Senator McCain's long experience with, and understanding of, our military coupled with his proven, unquestioned courage and leadership, provide him with the essential qualifications for our next president."