Voinovich endorses McCain’s candidacy

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Sen. George V. Voinovich, R-Ohio

COLUMBUS (AP) — U.S. Sen. George Voinovich of Ohio has endorsed fellow Sen. John McCain’s presidential bid, becoming the latest high-profile Republican to support the party’s all-but-certain nominee.

Voinovich had been leaning toward former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. But after Romney left the race Thursday, Voinovich pledged his support to McCain when the two met on the Senate floor.

Voinovich approached McCain, of Arizona, and congratulated him. McCain told him, “We’ll need your help to win Ohio.” Ohio’s senior senator told McCain, “You’ve got it.”

McCain spokesman Brian Rogers confirmed the endorsement Friday.

“The point is you are never going to get a perfect candidate,” Voinovich told The Columbus Dispatch. “I will tell you one thing: John is more qualified to be the next president than either of the two Democrats.”

McCain is his party’s presumptive nominee but still faces nominal challenges from former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas. Ohio’s primary is March 4 and isn’t expected to play a deciding role for Republicans.