Sen. McCain Campaigns for Raese; American Legion Blocks Press from Event

CHARLES TOWN, WV - Sen. John McCain campaigned for Senate candidate John Raese at the American Legion in Charles Town Monday, but the media was blocked from covering the event.

The two men shook hands with supporters and spoke to reporters outside of the American Legion.  Sen. McCain described Raese as an "old friend."

Raese addressed his lead in recent polls.

"I think a lot of people in West Virginia know me and know me very well," Raese said.  "My message hasn't changed a bit, but now a lot of people in West Virginia are starting to look in the right direction, their concerned, and that's why my popularity has ascended."

After walking down Washington Street, both Raese and McCain gave a speech at the American Legion.

The event was open to the public, but not the media.  The Legion commander said the organization did not want to appear to be endorsing a candidate.

"We rented it to a member and it was supposed to be a meeting upstairs, and that's what it was supposed to be, and of course it got blown out of proportion," American Legion Commander Ralph Fox explained.  "Everyone in the country is looking at it as we are politically involved and we are not."

Several hundred people attended the speech at the American Legion.

People lined the street to get a chance to meet Raese and McCain.

"We're just so happy to have an alternative to Governor Manchin," Raese supporter Jacob Johnson said.