I never considered myself a maverick: McCain

Washington, Apr 15(ANI): Arizona Senator John McCain, who built his political persona and his 2008 presidential campaign around the claim that he is a "maverick", has said that he never considered himself a maverick.

"I never considered myself a maverick. I've been called a thousand things. It's absolutely ridiculous," Politico quoted McCain, as saying.

He said 48 percent of the homeowners in his state are underwater on their mortgages, and emphasized that he has always "done what's best for my state and the nation."

"People can consider me whatever they want," McCain added.

McCain's current advisers insist the senator is objecting only to the M-word and not to the concept that he is a man who puts principle over party.

"He's only talking about the term 'maverick," said Fred Davis.

"He'll be the first to tell you that he'll still go against anybody in power, regardless of party, if he thinks what they're doing is wrong for the country. Some call that a maverick, some call that being a statesman - there's lots of terms for it," he added.

McCain, the 2008 Republican presidential candidate, is now seeking a fifth term as Arizona Senator and faces a spirited challenge from fellow Republican and former Congressman J.D. Hayworth. (ANI)