Connecticut Republican Representative Chris Shays says “NO”. In an article from the Yale Daily News Shays claims “McCain has lost his brand as a maverick; he did not live up to his pledge to fight a clean camapaign.”
The comments are the latest in a string of Republicans who have publicly criticized the Arizona senator’s handling of the presidential race and predicted his defeat next week is all but certain. (Other Republicans joining the chorus include Former Maryland Sen. Charles Mathias, former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld, and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.)
Fellow Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl and former GOP presidential Candidate Mitt Romney also have reportedly said they think McCain is likely to lose. Jon Kyl denied making the comments, though the Arizona Daily Star later produced audio indicating he did.
In his Yale Daily News interview, Shays did not endorse Barack Obama, and said he remained skeptical the Illinois senator will govern from the center if he is elected president.
Shays is a co-chairman of McCain’s campaign efforts in Connecticut.