Opposing GOP factions vie for McCain's ear

WASHINGTON, April 10 (UPI) -- Competing factions of the Republican party appear to be vying for influence in John McCain's bid for the White House, observers say.

One component, the so-called pragmatists, some of whom think the Iraq war was a mistake, is showing concern that McCain, R-Ariz., the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is coming under increased influence of the neoconservatives, credited with playing a major role in making the case for war, The New York Times said Thursday.

Concerns have grown in recent weeks as McCain assembled a list of foreign policy advisers that includes prominent neoconservatives. Randy Scheunemann, the McCain campaign's chief foreign policy aide with close ties to neoconservatives, also was reported drawing wary attention.

Noticing the concerns, McCain assured reporters there is "a broad array of people that I talk to and hear from and read what they write."