Palin writes op-ed about the maverick of the Senate

Sen. John McCain is facing the hardest election fight of his Senate career as he faces off against J.D. Hayworth, former congressman and conservative talk radio host, who claims McCain is too moderate for Arizona Republicans. Because of the tough fight, Sarah Palin is lending her star power to the man who chose her to be his running mate.

Palin appeared with McCain for the first time Friday at a campaign rally since the pair lost the 2008 presidential election. Many were looking forward to the speech Palin gave, but the former governor also wrote an op-ed in Friday's Arizona Republic, asking supporters to send John McCain back to the United States Senate.

"It was one of my life's greatest privileges to serve as Sen. John McCain's running mate on the 2008 Republican ticket as he sought to lead us as president of the United States," Palin wrote. "And it's an honor to stand beside him now as he runs for re-election to the United States Senate."

The op-ed titled, "A Desire to Serve Defines McCain," examines the maverick of the Senate and points out some of the qualities Palin observed as they traveled across the country together.

"In 2008, I firmly believed that John McCain was the right man for America," Palin said. "Today, I know he's the right man for Arizona. Your state deserves more than rhetoric; you deserve a leader with a real record of accomplishment. That's why, on behalf of Sen. McCain, I'm asking for your vote. For the good of our entire country and the future of your state, please send John McCain back to the United States Senate."

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