Romney and McCain brush aside differences at campaign rally

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) made a campaign stop for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on Saturday, and the two brushed aside their differences from the 2008 presidential campaign.

Democrats sought to play up the couples vocal spats during the GOP presidential primary this week, cutting a video of their heated debate appearances.

But the Romney played up McCain’s positives. The Arizona senator and onetime presidential nominee is facing a stiff primary challenge from former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (Ariz.) this cycle.

The Associated Press reported: 

Romney said McCain’s clout after 28 years in Congress is important in fighting the Obama administration.

“He’s a Washington heavyweight,” Romney said of McCain. “He knows how to push back against the Obama machine.”

[snip]

McCain opened the town hall meeting with a nod to their “spirited campaign,” but suggested Romney was gracious in defeat.

“After that primary was completed, there was no one person who worked harder on behalf of our ticket and the things that we believe in than Mitt Romney,” McCain said.