McCain Could Face 2010 Primary Challenge

Though not widely reported, rumors slowly began circulating last month that former GOP presidential nominee John McCain may face a primary challenge in 2010 from former Congressman J.D. Hayworth.

(Rep. Jeff Flake and Rep. John Shadegg were both likely candidates for the open seat if McCain were to win the presidency, but it appears unlikely either would challenge McCain.)

McCain, of course, would be hard to beat. He garnered close to 54 percent of the vote in Arizona's general election. More importantly, he easily won the state's primary, garnering more than 47 percent of the vote (though exit polls show Romney won the conservative vote in Arizona.)

But McCain has long been disliked by many conservatives, and it is highly likely that an effort to un-seat him would be welcomed with open arms by many conservatives across the nation. A credible anti-McCain conservative candidate -- such as Hayworth -- would most likely have no difficulty in raising substantial funds.

And aside from McCain's problems on the right, he also faces another phenomenon -- in the words of General Patton, "Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a loser." Simply put, Americans have little regard or use for someone who came in second place in a presidential race -- and if you don't believe me, just ask Mike Dukakis, Bob Dole, or John Kerry.

What makes this story interesting, at least, to me, is not that McCain will lose. In fact, the odds of McCain being defeated are not good. Instead, this is newsworthy simply because someone would flirt with challenging the GOP nominee, so soon after Election Day.

Ultimately, this demonstrates several things: 1). The GOP currently lacks a leader who might keep these internecine squabbles quiet, 2). This is further evidence the GOP continues to face a struggle over the identity and future direction of the party, and 3). McCain's 2008 presidential loss is not terribly surprising, considering the weak support he received from what should have been his base ...