McCain: "Most important part" of campaign begins
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Arizona Senator John McCain says "we begin the most important part of our campaign," now that he's clinched the number of delegates needed to win the Republican presidential nomination.
McCain and his wife appeared at a rally in Dallas where a big sign bearing the magic number of 1,191 was on prominent display.
McCain expressed gratefulness to the broad support he's received, not only from Republicans, but independents and as he put it, "independent-thinking Democrats."
He also took a few moments to praise his last rival standing, Mike Huckabee, who announced earlier that he's dropping out of the race. McCain called the former Arkansas governor a "great, fine, decent American."
McCain says his campaign will make a "respectful, determined and convincing case to the American people" that his election as president is in the best interest of the country.
Next stop for McCain, the White House. He'll have lunch with President Bush - and pick up Bush's endorsement. The two will make a joint statement afterward.
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