McCain reclaims maverick image, aides say

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Campaign aides to Sen. John McCain said the Republican presidential nominee will work to reclaim his mantle of maverick and claim the cloak of change as well.

With the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., behind him, aides said the Arizona Republican now must work to set himself apart from an unpopular party and president and tap into the American public's desire to move away from business as usual, Politico said Friday.

His choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate made the task easier, aides told the Washington political Web site.

"The base will now stay solid," said a top McCain aide. "The VP choice helps ensure that."

Also, aides said they believe Palin can help reinforce a strength McCain intends to highlight in his election campaign against the Democratic ticket of Sens. Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

"You can't suggest that Barack Obama and Joe Biden have better reform credentials than John McCain and Sarah Palin," a McCain staffer told Politico.