Conservative Hayworth Will Challenge McCain

Former Arizona Congressman JD Hayworth has stepped down from hosting his conservative radio show in Phoenix to run against John McCain for the Senate. Legally, he wouldn't have been able to host the show and be a candidate. Hayworth didn't formally announce, but he acknowledged "we're moving forward to challenge John McCain."

With his move, Hayworth questioned McCain's conservative credentials. "Arizonans have a clear choice—a clear, commonsense, consistent conservative, or they can remain with a moderate who calls himself a maverick." McCain's right-wing bona fides, however, may be helped by Sarah Palin, who has pledged to campaign for him. Hayworth says McCain's "place in history is secure, but after close to a quarter-century in Washington, it's time for him to come home." (More JD Hayworth stories.)