McCain vows to return to swing-state NH

McCain and Lieberman return to Exeter Wednesday: /Getty Images

EXETER -- The Republican comeback kid came back to an animated and crowded town hall that welcomed the return of presidential candidate John McCain this afternoon.

It was his first visit to the Granite State to thank supporters for his victory in the primary and to those who helped breathe life into a campaign that had dramatically faltered last summer.

"I am humbled and gratified to be here as the nominee for the Republican Party," McCain said. "I know there were several times during our campaign that some thought it was dead."

Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Connecticut) warmed the crowd and introduced his fellow congressman.

"He can be Commander in Chief not just at 3 a.m. but at any a.m. or p.m.," Lieberman said. "This guy knows what it means to be a leader."

McCain's town hall style forum was brief. He spoke for about 15 minutes and then turned the focus to the audience for questions after a standing ovation.

The Senator from Arizona reassured supporters that the slumping U.S. economy is his highest priority. Several times he mentioned education in training programs that would assist displaced workers find jobs. McCain made the argument that he would secure the nation and restore trust and confidence in Washington.

Among the long list of thanks, McCain extended his gratitude to his former republican presidential competitors.

"Governor Mitt Romney fought hard," McCain said. "He fought well. I believe Governor Romney has earned a place in our Republican party, and I think he is part of the future of our Republican party."

He would not confirm recent claims that Romney could be a potential vice presidential candidate.

Fergus Cullen, chairman of the New Hampshire Republican State Committee admitted McCain's appearance was a familiar event, but said it was one that appeared to unite the Republican Party.

"Everybody in New Hampshire is on board and that's not always the case after a tough competitive primary," he said referring to the presence of the former chairmen for the Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani campaigns.

Also in attendance were former U.S. Representatives Charlie Bass and Jeb Bradley, as was former Governor of New Hampshire Walter Peterson.

"I think it shows the importance of New Hampshire in terms of not only the primary but how important New Hampshire is going to be in the general election this fall," said Bradley. "I'm glad to see Senator McCain here, rallying the troops and unifying the party."

David McCain of Concord has been a supporter of the Senator for the past eight years. He described McCain's return as a display of overwhelming enthusiasm and a genuine love of America.

"We worked so hard for him and it was so damn cold," David McCain said. "He felt he needed to come back to New Hampshire for us."

"I thought it was good to see huge amounts of people here, excited great to be here in the birth spot of the Republican party in the country," Bradley said. "It's a good place that Senator McCain has chosen Exeter."

Susan Brooks of Salem shared similar feelings about McCain's appearance. She has been a volunteer for the campaign even when he wasn't listed as a top candidate.

"I am thrilled the hard work has paid off," Brooks said. "I feel like we've done a lot to help." She last saw McCain in Nashua on primary night and was extremely excited to see him again yesterday.

"He was coming forth with a clear and coherent message because quite frankly we have got to do that and unify people if we are going to beat either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton," Bradley said.

Cullen was encouraged by the senator's last remarks in which he promised this wouldn't be the last time New Hampshire residents would see the candidate.

"I intend to be back and back because I love it," McCain told the crowd. "I need to win New Hampshire to win the Presidency."