Republican John McCain says he has no plans to give his seal of approval to any of the numerous GOP candidates thinking about running for the White House.
"I think I'm staying out of this for the first time in many years," the Arizona senator told Politico earlier this week.
When asked if that meant if he would stay out of the 2012 presidential race completely, McCain replied: "Most likely."
Endorsements are a prickly thing in politics, but can be helpful when the blessing comes with financial resources and campaign help.
Some recent examples: Sarah Palin, McCain's 2008 running mate, and Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., helping to fuel conservative candidates in the 2010 congressional elections. See also the boost Barack Obama got after Sen. Edward Kennedy and his niece, Caroline, endorsed his presidential candidacy.
By Catalina Camia, USA TODAY
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