POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: McCain on GOP Outlook

Potential presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-ariz., addresses the issue of illegal immigration, among other topics, during an appearance at a breakfast held by the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women held at The Center of New Hampshire, Monday, May 22, 2006. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe) (Larry Crowe - AP)

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Republican Sen. John McCain, a possible White House hopeful in 2008, said Monday that the party has plenty of work to do to regain the backing of GOP voters frustrated by deficit spending, the Iraq war and illegal immigration.

Five months before the midterm elections, McCain spoke about the outlook for the Republican Party amid concern within the Bush administration and the GOP leadership about losing majority control of Congress.

"Spending is out of control and a significant part of our Republican base is angry because we have allowed this to happen," he said.

Republicans fear that the party base, discontent with Washington, won't turn out to vote on Nov. 7.

McCain, viewed as the front-runner in a crowded field of potential Republican presidential candidates, spoke to about 200 people at a Republican women's breakfast in New Hampshire, the first-in-the-nation primary state.

McCain said the GOP is committed to New Hampshire's current status. Democrats are weighing changes to their primary calendar that would put two caucuses between Iowa and New Hampshire.

The Arizona senator has been at the forefront of the congressional fight over immigration legislation, in some cases pitting him against some of the more conservative members of his party.

McCain, who said more than 50 percent of illegal immigrants entering the United States arrive through his home state, favors giving some illegal aliens a path to citizenship. Those who pass a criminal background check, learn English, pay back taxes and a fine, should be permitted to earn their citizenship, he said.

"We're not forgiving anybody for breaking our laws," he said. "We're making them pay a very high price."

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WASHINGTON (AP) _ President Bush is lending some help to two vulnerable House Republicans seeking re-election in the Philadelphia suburbs.

Bush is slated to attend a fundraiser Wednesday night in Philadelphia for Reps. Jim Gerlach and Mike Fitzpatrick. The two-term Gerlach faces a challenge from attorney Lois Murphy, a Democrat who nearly beat him in 2004. Fitzpatrick, a freshman, is running against Iraq War veteran Patrick Murphy.

The fundraiser also will benefit the Pennsylvania Republican State Committee. Tickets for the event are $1,000.

Earlier in the day, the president will deliver a speech on energy at the Limerick Generating Station in Pottstown, 40 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

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Associated Press Writer Kimberly Hefling in Washington contributed to this report.