McCain visit...

Just back from the Rob Simmons campaign rally featuring Arizona Sen. John McCain, a frequent campeigner here in the 2nd Congressional District, never having missed an election season once in the last six years. And as it always the case with the "Straight Talk Express," there is always more left in the notebook than what appears in the story that runs in the paper.

Despite running an hour late, and needing to get back on the road for a private fundraiser on Simmons behalf, McCain, as usual, was more than happy to spend some time with reporters after the event - and answer any and all questions.

On the war in Iraq, the decorated Vietnam veteran and former POW said he is not backing down on his proposal to increase American forces there by another 20,000.
"I've been on record saying that for three years," he said. "It's all very clear that we didn't have enough troops there in the first place."

On Democratic Sen. Joseph Lieberman's independent re-election bid. (During a campaign stop in Hartford earlier this year, McCain declined to take side in the Democratic primary.)
"I'm very encouraged by how well Joe Lieberman is doing. He is one of the finest people I know and he is someone who represents a bipartisan approach. It has been one of my great privildges to have worked with him on a variety of important issues. I'm glad he's doing well."

Will he (McCain) be back in Connecticut prior to the election to campaign with Lieberman?
"I've got a pretty full schedule right now."

About his own presidential bid in 2008:
"I'll make that decision after the first of the year."

And when asked if he might be leaning towards another run, based on the kind of receptions he receiving on the campaign trail now, he said:
"I've learned you don't judge your future on events like this."