McCain's Mississippi Roots

On his June 2006 visit to Mississippi, the Commercial Dispatch noted McCain's Mississippi roots: "McCain has family roots in Mississippi. A great-grandfather moved to Carroll County in the 1800s. His grandfather attended the University of Mississippi before going to the U.S. Naval Academy. Camp McCain - a National Guard base in Grenada County - is named after a great-uncle."

This Salon Politics piece from the 2000 election discusses the McCain connection to Mississippi even more, explaining in part why some call McCain "Mississippi's Third Senator."

Senator Trent Lott has been a vocal supporter of Senator McCain in recent years. They don't always agree, but who does? Lott is on board big-time with Team McCain for 2008. It isn't the first time their families have been political allies. The Greenwood Commonwealth notes: In 1899, Lott's great-great-great uncle was running for state treasurer. He was endorsed by John S. McCain, then-sheriff of Carroll County and the Arizona senator's great-great-great-uncle.Lott said he brought the information to the attention of his GOP colleague."'You know, John,'" Lott said he joked to his fellow senator, "'the McCains have been supporting the Lotts since 1899. What the hell's your problem?'" No problem anymore, Lott and McCain have become close and effective allies, and that's good news for Mississippi.