McCain draws talk-show host's ire

CINCINNATI, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Republican presidential front-runner John McCain has lost the support of another conservative talk-show personality as the campaign rhetoric heats up.

Appearing on CNN Tuesday, talk-show host Bill Cunningham said he has "had it up to here" with McCain after the Arizona senator criticized him for remarks he made at a McCain rally in Cincinnati about Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama. Cunningham said he is joining another conservative commentator, Ann Coulter, and support Obama's Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.

Cunningham called the Illinois senator a "hack, Chicago-style Daley politician" and repeatedly used Obama's middle name -- Hussein -- during his remarks.

Calling Hussein "a proud Muslim name," Cunningham said he has "nothing but respect for my Muslim brothers and sisters."

McCain, who was not on-stage when Cunningham addressed the rally, said he was told about the remarks.

"I absolutely repudiate such comments, and again I will take responsibility -- it will never happen again," McCain said.

Cunningham said McCain "ought to attack Democrats and quit attacking conservatives like me."

"I, for one, regret that John McCain is the nominee of the conservative party," he said.