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Updated: July 22, 2008, 4:33 pm	Share    Print    Email

GOP presidential candidate John McCain on the campaign trail. Photo courtesy observer.com

Water Mill - The presidential race came to The Hamptons this weekend as Republican candidate for president John McCain (R-Arizona) arrived via helicopter to attend lunch at "The Creeks" estate of Ronald Perelman before attending a benefit dinner in his honor at the home of Bill and Phyllis Mack in Water Mill Saturday evening, July 19.

According to reports, approximately 150 high profile Republicans doled out $2,300 each to attend the event which was held outdoors at the Deerfield Road residence.

Speaking from the back porch of the Mack residence, the GOP contender addressed the war in Iraq, Iran's nuclear program and the economy, indicating he likes being the underdog in the highly charged race for the White House. He mentioned recent polls which showed he and his competitor, Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois) who is spending his weekend in Afghanistan, are virtually even.

Rallying support for his campaign in strained economic forecasts, he told supporters to anticipate a close race.

The organizing committee included GOP notables Henry Kissinger, former Senator Alfonse D'Amato and publisher Steve Forbes.

Protesters of the campaign stop were seen flagging signs criticizing the senator's energy policy to the steady stream of motorists passing through Water Mill Saturday afternoon.