McCain anxious for Senate return

by Jill Zuckman

PHOENIX - With the election behind him and no transition to plan, Sen. John McCain woke up early Wednesday morning and walked to Starbucks for his morning coffee - alone.

That he didn't have to ride in a motorcade with lights flashing to get a cup of coffee made him incredibly happy, aides said.

Friends and advisers who joined him and his wife at their condo later that morning described McCain as relaxed, joking and looking forward to getting back to work in the Senate after the bruising, two-year campaign.

McCain and his close friend, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), have already begun talking about legislative initiatives they want to tackle, and they're planning a trip to Afghanistan, aides said.

"He's raring to go," said campaign manager Rick Davis. "He is anxious to get back and go to work as a United States senator. He didn't even spend 24 hours lamenting the loss."

McCain is never happier than when he is surrounded by friends, and he left Phoenix mid-day Wednesday for his valley compound outside Sedona with his wife, Cindy, his children, Graham and advisers Davis, Charlie Black and Carla Eudy. His plan is to man the grills, cooking up ribs for the group.