McCain, Palin take stage at first rally together since losing presidential race

McCain, Palin take stage at Tucson rally

TUCSON, Ariz. — John McCain and Sarah Palin have taken the stage at their first campaign rally together since losing the presidential election in 2008.

A crowd of thousands cheered wildly as the former running mates took the stage at the Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson. Some in the crowd chanted, “Sarah.”

Palin was a first-term governor of Alaska when McCain chose her to be his running mate. She went on to become a conservative star.

McCain is fending off a primary challenge from the right and facing the toughest re-election campaign of his Senate career.

Former congressman and conservative talk-radio host JD Hayworth says McCain is too moderate for Arizona Republicans.