McCain staffer quits so he won't have to work against Obama

Mark McKinnon, who was in charge of McCain's advertising, left the McCain campaign to keep a pledge not to use his skills to attack Barack Obama. The subtext of this is huge. It signals, holographically, the problem McCain will have holding on to Republicans and independents who see in Barack a person not to attack and sully, but rather a unique opportunity to take a giant step in transcending racial stereotyping and the politics of partisan bickering and legislative gridlock.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (Reuters)

McCain strategist keeps Obama vow, leaving campaign

A senior adviser to Republican presidential candidate John McCain said on Tuesday that he was stepping down to keep a commitment he made not to campaign against Democrat Barack Obama.

Mark McKinnon, who was in charge of the McCain campaign's advertising message, said he was still backing the Arizona senator, but that he was simply moving from active campaign participant to cheerleader.

"I'll still be around occasionally in my lucky hat," said McKinnon, who often wears a distinctive hat.

McKinnon, who was a key aide in President George W. Bush's two election victories, has expressed admiration for Obama and pledged not to campaign against the Democratic front-runner if he became the party's presidential nominee.

A McCain campaign official said McKinnon had notified the campaign of his decision to leave but declined further comment. The McCain campaign had been expecting McKinnon's move for some months and was not surprised at his decision.