McCain Stops By The Senate

By Jeff Zeleny
May 17, 2007

John McCain made an appearance in the Senate today. Yes, at least on Capitol Hill, this is a newsworthy item.

As he seeks the Republican presidential nomination, Mr. McCain has missed half of the votes cast this year by the Senate. It is the worst attendance record of any candidate.

But there he was, standing directly behind Senator Edward M. Kennedy during a press conference this afternoon to announce that a bipartisan deal had been struck on immigration. Mr. McCain, a longtime leader on the matter, has all but excused himself from the tedious negotiations in recent weeks between Democrats, Republicans and the White House.
In his quest to appeal to Republican primary voters, the issue has caused him considerable grief among conservatives. So why was he on hand for the rollout of the immigration deal?

“I’m here primarily to thank this bipartisan group of senators who have worked long and hard,â€