McCain says his race is different from senators who lost because he shuns pork barrel spending

McCain says he’s different from senators who lost

PHOENIX — Arizona Sen. John McCain says primary voters sent a clear message this week that they’re angry and frustrated.

The Republican is seeking his fifth term in the U.S. Senate and on Friday downplayed comparisons of his tough re-election battle to the campaigns of other longtime senators who recently lost their primaries.

He says the senators who lost were all defenders of earmarks — special federal funding set aside for specific, home-state projects.

McCain has long opposed earmarks, calling the process “pork-barrel” spending that leads to corruption.

McCain spoke after turning in petition signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Former conservative talk-radio host J.D. Hayworth, who also served in the U.S. House, is challenging McCain in the Aug. 24 primary.