McCain Answers Question About Stumping for Chafee

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As we reported on this blog last week, Sen. John McCain – known as a strong ally of Israel in Congress – has raised some eyebrows lately by stumping in Rhode Island for embattled Sen. Lincoln Chafee, who has often raised the ire of the pro-Israel community.

In response to a question from the Forward about whether he stood by Sen. Chafee’s positions on Israel, Sen. McCain issued the following statement:

“I support Sen. Chafee’s re-election, and I agree with him on many issues. However, one area in which our positions differ is Israel. It is obvious from my long record of support for a strong relationship between the United States and Israel that we disagree on this issue. I have long described myself as proudly pro-American and pro-Israel, and that remains my approach to Israel’s role in the Middle East and the world.”