Was Senator McCain (?) ready to jump ship like Senator Jeffords (rat) in 2001?

Whether this is true or not, it shows just how liberal McCain is perceived.
No Republican that wants to be the GOP candidate should even be under such suspicion.
I don't remember McCain protesting TOO much when he was being considered as a possible DEMOCRAT running mate. He let those rumors go on MUCH too long.

Name ANY conservative that THIS story, about which, could be even conceivable.