McCain runs like he could lose

Sen. John McCain surprised no one when he announced he’ll run for a sixth term. He’s signaled it for a while, traveling the state, holding fundraisers, re-connecting with editorial boards. He acts like someone expecting a formidable challenger. Which may be why, so far, none has stepped forward. Staunch conservatives want McCain out of the Senate. He’s Target No. 1, and they’re ready to devote plenty of resources to oust him.

But they’re still looking for their candidate. U.S. Rep. David Schweikert has already demurred, and his ideological neighbor, Rep. Matt Salmon, has shown no interest. The strongest candidate likely to get into the race as of now is a state senator from Lake Havasu.

That speaks volumes. Taking on McCain is a tough task. Just ask J.D. Hayworth, who was rolled in 2010 by the millions of dollars the senator can raise.

McCain also has avoided the mistakes of his fallen colleagues. He never lost touch with the state he serves. He has routinely held town halls, listening to his harshest critics as well as his friends.

When the state Republican Party censured him, it stung, McCain acknowledges. But he and his allies countered by getting new members elected. The censure was not repeated.

The return of the Senate to Republican control has energized McCain. He relishes his role as chair of the Armed Services Committee, which gives him a megaphone in promoting Arizona interests and challenging President Obama’s policies. He may be 78 years old, but he carries himself with the energy of a younger man.

Does this mean his re-election is a lock? Not at all. Much can happen between now and the fall of 2016. But because he knows that, don’t be surprised if he remains our senior senator.