Sen. John McCain to run for re-election in 2016

“I’m more than ready, and in some ways, I’m eager.”

These the words of Arizona Senator John McCain, who told NBC News he will be running for a sixth Senate term in 2016.

At 78, McCain says the he still has plenty to contribute to the Senate as the nation looks to elect a new president in little over a year’s time. While the lawmaker’s detractors may argue the former presidential candidate is too old to participate in the Senate, McCain says he’s banking on robust family genes to ultimately win the day.

“I’m happy to tell you that my mother is 103 and she’s doing well,” McCain said, who first assumed his seat in the Senate in 1987.

“Take a look at my 18-hour days, take a look at the hearings we have, take a look at my legislative accomplishments. Listen, I’m just getting started.”