Sen. John McCain easily survives primary challenge

John McCain faces a tough primary fight — (Image credit: Getty Images)

If Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) doesn't win a sixth term in November, it won't be because of state Sen. Kelli Ward. On Tuesday, McCain handily beat back a challenge from Ward, who had suggested that the 80-year-old senator is too old to serve Arizona, and two other candidates in Arizona's Republican primary. McCain will face Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D) in the general election, after Kirkpatrick won an essentially uncontested Democratic primary. McCain has led Kirkpatrick in every poll so far, but the race is considered competitive.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.