McCain worries terrorists could influence election

SPRINGFIELD, Pa. (AP) — Republican John McCain said he worries that terrorists might try to influence the November general election with increased attacks in Iraq.

“Yes, I worry about it,” he said Friday, responding to a question at a town hall-style forum. “And I know they pay attention, because of the intercepts we have of their communications.”

The questioner asked if McCain feared al-Qaida in Iraq or another group might attack in an effort to aid the Democratic nominee, because Democratic Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama both favor a withdrawal of U.S. forces.

McCain told reporters later that al-Qaida remains smart and adaptable despite an increase of U.S. troops in Iraq.

“We have had great success with the surge, but to think they’re not capable of orchestrating really strong attacks ... I think is an underestimation of the enemy,” McCain said.