Go Sox, McCain says

By Globe Staff

Senator John McCain today described the Red Sox as his "sentimental favorite" to win the World Series, shunning playoff teams in the crucial swing states of Florida, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Massachusetts is a slam dunk for Democratic rival Barack Obama in the November election, but McCain can still curry favor with citizens of Red Sox Nation across the country.

"I still kinda like the Red Sox," McCain said in an interview this morning on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" when asked about the Major League Baseball playoffs. "I have a sentimental favorite, look, I think they're going to do well now that my Diamondbacks have blown it."

McCain added that the Los Angeles Dodgers should also go deep into October because they "have some pretty strong pitching."

"I think it's very possible that both of those teams, both the Dodgers and the Red Sox could surprise everybody," McCain said.

The Arizona Republican made no mention of the Tampa Bay Rays, Philadelphia Phillies, or Milwaukee Brewers. McCain has long been supported by injured Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling.

Obama, meanwhile, has both his hometown teams still in the mix, the Cubs and White Sox.