Obama win means liberal plan, McCain says

HANOVERTOWN, Ohio, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- A liberal agenda is in store if Barack Obama wins and the U.S. Congress adds Democrats to its roster, Republican presidential candidate John McCain said.

"And what could happen when the Democrats have total control of Washington?" McCain said during a campaign stop in Hanovertown, Ohio, Friday. "We need pro growth and pro jobs economic policies, not pro government spending programs paid for with higher taxes. This is the fundamental difference between Senator Obama who began his campaign in the liberal left lane of American politics and has never left it."

The Arizona senator highlighted the differences between his platform and his opponent's positions on taxes, the economy, energy and healthcare. On the economy, McCain said, "My opponent's massive new tax increase is exactly the wrong approach in an economic slowdown."

He urged listeners not to listen to Democrats' claims that "Republicans are going to take away (seniors') Social Security or we're going to take away Medicare. ... I'm going to protect Medicare, and I'm not going to let this Congress tax away your retirement savings."

McCain noted Obama said if he lost he'd return to the U.S. Senate and wait for another chance.

"That sounds like a great idea to me," McCain told the applauding crowd. "Let's help him make that happen."