In interview Bettencourt explains switch from McCain to Romney

State Representative D.J. Bettencourt said that despite what John McCain's presidential campaign may say, his decision to drop his endorsement had nothing to do with not being offered a job.

"It was known for a quite a long time that while I believe McCain is an American hero, I was very upset over his position on immigration," said Bettencourt in his first interview on the situation. "I have a lot of respect for Senator McCain and I wish his campaign well. I just thought Mitt was a better candidate."

News of Bettencourt leaving came in an Associated Press story last week, the same day the McCain named over 30 state lawmakers to their legislative caucus. This blog highlighted that AP report.

The McCain campaign released an e-mail showing he was interested in a job with the campaign though he was not offered one. Bettencourt said his leaving was never about money and he is supporting the Romney campaign without ever asking or receiving a job.

"I understand their reaction against me. They have to be upset to lose a supporter and it is a high stakes situation," he said. "Unfortunately they had to get personal."