McCain picks up key New York endorsements

NEW YORK, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain swept up key New York endorsements and $1 million in support at an event in midtown Manhattan.

McCain unveiled his team of New York GOP supporters, including former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, R-N.Y., in the backyard of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani Tuesday, The New York Times said Wednesday.

Election observers see the Arizona Republican possibly emerging as the front-runner in the GOP presidential field. McCain may feel the same way saying the Democrats "view me as their most formidable opponent," adding "and I agree with them."

D'Amato, a long-time Giuliani opponent, praised McCain as "the strongest Republican candidate."

"And for those of you who say, 'Well, I disagree with him on one issue or another,' if you want to win in November, John McCain, he's the man," D'Amato said.