Gov. Palin and Sen. McCain in Tucson

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Sarah Palin and John McCain both pledged before a Tucson crowd of 5,000 Friday to fight the political agenda being pushed by President Obama, House speaker Pelosi and Senate majority leader Reid:

Focusing on Washington themes rather than his competitor, former U.S. Rep. J.D. Hayworth, Palin exhorted the crowd to "send the maverick back to the U.S. Senate" to fight the newly enacted health-care legislation and keep America safe.

As she has seen in Alaska, she said, "only dead fish go with the flow," which she said McCain would not do.

"I was pretty excited when John McCain asked me to join him on the campaign trail this go-around here in Arizona," she added. "I couldn't wait to get some of the McCain-Palin team back together again … I think this go-around, when all of the votes are tallied, I think he's going to win this one."

For his part, McCain condemned the health-care legislation passed with support of Obama and Democrats in Congress. He called its passage "sleazy Chicago-style sausage-making."

"It's going to be repealed and replaced, and it's going to be done soon," he added.

The appearance was a national political curiosity and a likely boost to McCain's primary prospects.

Many who are ambivalent about McCain's conservative credentials said they came just to see the former Alaska governor, who has remained a luminary in Republican circles.

The full Arizona Republic story is here. The Arizona Star's coverage is here.

H/T for the video goes to The Right Scoop.

- JP

McCain adviser says Sarah Palin will give "meaty" speech in Tuscon

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NBC is reporting that a McCain advisor describes the speech Sarah Palin will deliver in Tucson today as "meaty." Gov. Palin's remarks at the Pima County Fairgrounds will, of course, be mostly about Sen. McCain, as she is in Arizona to help her former running mate in his campaign to retain his seat in the U.S. Senate.

The event, which should start shortly, will be streamed by CNN here. Cindy McCain will introduce Gov. Palin, and the former GOP vice presidential candidate is scheduled to speak for about about 10 to 12 minutes. She will then introduce Sen. McCain, who will speak for about five minutes.

Gov. Palin will also appear at a McCain fundraiser this evening at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, and at a rally tomorrow morning at Dobson High School in Mesa (the McCain campaign will be streaming video of that event here). In addition, Gov. Palin and Sen. McCain are scheduled to be Greta Van Susteren's guests tonight on Fox News' "On The Record."

- JP

More Information on Gov. Palin's Appearances in Arizona

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Senator John McCain's campaign released more details Monday on the two rallies where Sarah Palin will appear with him in Tucson and Phoenix later this month:

The former Alaska Governor and current Arizona Senator will speak to constituents at the Pima County fairgrounds on Friday, March 26.

They'll be holding the rally at the Thurber Hall, 11300 South Houghton, at noon. Doors open at 11 a.m.

The duo will then travel north to Phoenix to appeal to voters on March 27. The rally there will be held at Dobson High School, 1501 West Guadalupe.

Doors open for that event at 7:30 a.m. The rally begins at 9 a.m.

Gov. Palin will also attend a reception & dinner for Sen. McCain at the Arizona Biltmore Friday afternoon at 5 p.m.

h/t: Free Republic

- JP