McCain Fundraising E-mail: I Provide 'Passionate' Opposition

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has a new end-of-the-year fundraising e-mail, urging his supporters to help him fight the Democrats -- and depending on how you read it, also fight against a possible hard-right primary challenger.

McCain declares:

Whether it's fighting Medicare cuts, tax increases, earmarks or any other issue, my approach to policy is the same as it's always been: I call things like I see them. When I see decisions that I disagree with, I offer criticism. Yes, I can be passionate in my opposition, but I always try to ensure that it is loyal, civil, and constructive opposition.

(Emphasis in the original.)

Chuck Todd suspects that McCain's appeal for civility could be a subtle message against the Tea Party crowd, in light of the possible primary challenge by former Rep. J.D. Hayworth.

Check out the full e-mail after the jump, and decide for yourself.

My Friend,

Last week's vote to pass the Democrats' health care reform bill has only strengthened the resolve of Republicans across the country.

I have been proud to stand up and speak out for those of you who believe a national debt of $12 trillion is unacceptable, that pork-barrel spending must be eradicated, that our country should not set arbitrary dates for troop withdrawal in Afghanistan and that government bureaucrats should never make decisions about your family's health care needs.

My friend, we are just getting started. Our work is long from over. We must continue to reject the liberal leadership in Washington who are taking our country in the wrong direction.

But I regret that we may not be able to continue and expand our fight for reform if I am not reelected to the U.S. Senate. Elections have become very expensive to run and our campaign has a financial reporting deadline in less than 24 hours. I ask that you support my fight by making an immediate donation in advance of this deadline.

We are fortunate to live in a country where we are free to speak our minds and openly debate solutions to the challenges facing our nation. Whether it's fighting Medicare cuts, tax increases, earmarks or any other issue, my approach to policy is the same as it's always been: I call things like I see them. When I see decisions that I disagree with, I offer criticism. Yes, I can be passionate in my opposition, but I always try to ensure that it is loyal, civil, and constructive opposition.

Will you join me in speaking out today? Our end-of-year financial reporting deadline is tomorrow, December 31st, and any amount you can give today will be included in this report. Please make a donation of $25, $50, $100, $250 or more before tomorrow at midnight to help my campaign reach our fundraising goal.

By acting as quickly as possible, we will show the current Democratic leadership and entrenched Washington interests how much we disagree with the direction they are taking our country. Thank you

Sincerely,

John McCain

P.S. We must always put our country and the noble ideals she stands for first. And we must never fear engaging in passionate opposition when we see our country heading in the wrong direction. I am committed to fighting for our shared values, and I ask that you join me in this commitment by making a donation to my campaign. Remember, our end-of-year financial reporting deadline is tomorrow, December 31st, and your generous contribution will be included in our critical end of year financial report.