McCain Derides Idea Of Repealing War Support

RENO, Nev., May 5 -- Republican Sen. John McCain criticized Democratic Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's move to repeal congressional authorization for the Iraq war, saying it's "the worst possible idea that anybody could have."

Speaking to reporters after a town-hall meeting Saturday in Reno, McCain (Ariz.) said the new war strategy announced by President Bush in January is beginning to show "some success" and should be given a chance to succeed.

"I think it's a bad idea for us to again tie up the United States Senate in something that won't be successful," McCain said. "I think it again perhaps will send the wrong signal to our men and women who are trying to succeed over there.

"I just think it's the worst possible idea that anybody could have," he added. "I'll do everything in my power to see that it doesn't succeed."

The presidential candidate's criticism came two days after Clinton (N.Y.), the Democratic front-runner, joined legislation that would require Bush to seek new authority from Congress to extend the conflict beyond Oct. 11.

After the town-hall meeting, McCain flew to Las Vegas for a fundraiser hosted by MGM Mirage chief executive Terry Lanni and to attend the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Oscar De La Hoya boxing match.