Thompson and Giuliani salivate for McCain votes [View All]

Source: BLOOMBERG NEWS

Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, a champion of conservatives, and Rudy Giuliani, a favorite of political independents, may be the biggest beneficiaries if John McCain's bid for the Republican presidential nomination collapses, political experts say.

McCain's campaign is teetering after the loss last week of his chief political aides, a blow that follows closely on the heels of a disappointing fundraising report. McCain, 70, once the Republican front-runner, is vowing to fight on amid growing speculation about his viability.

If McCain is forced to abandon the race or loses more ground, Thompson and Giuliani will try to scoop up his political and financial backers.

"Those people who were attracted to McCain on the issues will go to Giuliani and those who were attracted by his perceived inevitability will probably now be attracted to Thompson," said David Keene, chairman of the American Conservative Union in Alexandria, Va.

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