Sen. McCain ‘seriously’ considers running for re-election in 2016

PHOENIX — Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona said Thursday he was “seriously” giving consideration to a run for a sixth term in 2016.

McCain met with pivotal supporters in a breakfast meeting at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel to discuss the possibility.

“I’m … leaning towards it,” McCain said.

Arizona’s senior statesman will be 80 by the next election cycle. Meanwhile, with Republican control of the Senate after midterms, he will become chairman of the Armed Services Committee, widely regarded as one of the most powerful committees on Capitol Hill.

He said he expects to make a decision early next year. McCain also expected some competition.

“If you’re going to win a campaign, you have to plan for all scenarios, including significant primary opposition,” he said.

Other possible candidates include Arizona Rep. Matt Salmon and U.S. Rep. David Schweikert.

“Every campaign I’ve been in I said, ‘look this is going to be the toughest.’ You have to assume that. We’ve seen historically that people who take anything for granted put that election in jeopardy,” the senator said.

McCain has been in the Valley most of the week and cast his vote Tuesday at his Phoenix polling place.

Thanks to all our dedicated #Arizona poll workers! pic.twitter.com/xRzqhVONdY

— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) November 4, 2014

A few protesters demonstrated in front of the hotel. They agreed with the state GOP’s censure of McCain in January. The politicians said that his voting record wasn’t conservative enough.