McCain campaigns in Missouri's conservative base

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain comes to southwest Missouri to discuss his energy proposals.

It's McCain's second visit to the state since narrowly winning Missouri's GOP primary in February.

McCain won largely because of strong suburban support. But he lost handily to Republican Mike Huckabee throughout southwest Missouri's generally more conservative counties.

Among those at McCain's event Wednesday at Missouri State University were numerous self-described conservatives. Some said that while McCain may not have been their first choice in February, they're backing him now.