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Bush pledges to support McCain if he's nominated

BY MAURA REYNOLDS AND PETER SPIEGEL | Los Angeles Times

February 11, 2008

WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush pledged yesterday to assist Sen. John McCain's campaign for the presidency - if he wins the Republican Party nomination - but acknowledged that the Arizona senator has "got some convincing to do" among the party's conservatives.

In an interview with Fox News from Camp David, Md., Bush was careful to note that two Republicans were still competing in the party primaries, and he did not express a preference. But he made clear he was willing to set aside tensions he has had with McCain and praised him as "a true conservative."

"Look, he's very strong on national defense. He's tough fiscally. He believes that tax cuts ought to be permanent. He's pro-life. I mean ... his principles are sound and solid as far as I'm concerned," Bush said.

Bush and McCain have clashed over the years, notably when they competed against each other for the Republican nomination in the 2000 election.

Bush also praised the other Republican candidate left, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who had two surprising victories in contests in Louisiana and Kansas on Saturday. Recalling his contact with Huckabee while serving as governor of Texas, Bush described him as "a good, solid, conservative person."

Huckabee vowed to stay in the race until McCain captures the 1,191 delegates needed to secure the nomination.

He added he would pull out of the race if McCain hit 1,191, but disagreed with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who withdrew last week warning that a protracted battle for the Republican nomination would only help Democrats retake the White House.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said in a separate interview he was open to voting for a Democrat in November. A Republican, he praised Democratic candidate Barack Obama, saying the Illinois senator has run an impressive campaign that had sparked interest from a wide range of potential voters.

Powell also backed Obama's proposal to open talks with Iran - a key difference with his opponent, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton - saying it was important the United States engaged with leaders in nations that disagree with American policies.