How closely tied are North Carolina's Congressional Republicans to their presidential nominee?
It's much harder to say than it was for the Democrats. The GOP did not have superdelegates, so its members were not required to cast a high-profile vote in their primary.
John McCain had already sewn up the nomination by the time North Carolina voted, so he did few events here to gauge local ties with.
Still, there are a few tea leaves to read. Here is a list, from closest to least close:
Richard Burr: Longtime friend in Senate. Headed platform committee, spoke at convention. Frequent advocate on TV for McCain. Mentioned as long-shot vice presidential pick. Wife spoke at fundraiser. Gives speeches at campaign headquarter openings, speaks on conference calls. Co-sponsored four bills. Received $2,500 donation in 2006 from McCain's leadership PAC. Mentioned as potential Cabinet pick.
Virginia Foxx: Endorsed Mitt Romney in primary. Spoke on recent McCain conference call. Member of the Palin Truth Squad.
Sue Myrick: Skipped national convention. Endorsed Fred Thompson in primary. Member of the Palin Truth Squad.
Elizabeth Dole: Ran against McCain for presidential nomination in 2000. Skipped national convention. Co-sponsored four bills. Husband Bob speaks at campaign headquarter openings. Some Dole backers lobbied for vice presidential pick. Tied to McCain in liberal attack ads.
Patrick McHenry: McCain friend Tim Pawlenty appeared at McHenry fundraiser. Publicly called for conservatives to unite behind McCain in mid-February, but reportedly said McCain nomination would make conservatives "physically ill." Spoke on recent McCain conference call.
Robin Hayes: Received $1,000 donation in 2000 from McCain's leadership PAC. McCain friend Tim Pawlenty appeared at Hayes fundraiser. Skipped national convention.
Walter Jones: Made no endorsement in primary.
Howard Coble: Skipped national convention. Endorsed Mitt Romney in primary.
