MERIDIAN, Miss. (AP) — Republican Sen. John McCain is opening a new chapter in his presidential campaign, casting himself as an “imperfect servant of my country” who was born into a family of American warriors devoted to honor, courage and duty.

“I am the son and grandson of admirals,” McCain said in excerpts of a speech prepared for delivery Monday. “They were my first heroes, and their respect for me has been one of the most lasting ambitions of my life. ... They showed me how to love my country, and that has made all the difference for me.”

The Arizona senator arranged to speak at Mississippi State University, the first stop on a weeklong tour designed to present him to the public as his party’s candidate for the fall campaign.

McCain emerged victorious from the Republican primaries weeks ago. Seven months before the election, polls point toward a competitive race with either Barack Obama or Hillary Rodham Clinton, rivals in a marathon struggle for the Democratic nomination.

McCain mentioned neither of his potential opponents in the excerpts released in advance. Nor did he discuss the war in Iraq or the weakening economy and spike in home foreclosures — issues where he differs from both his potential opponents.

Bush pushes NATO expansion, Afghanistan commitment in travels to Europe

WASHINGTON — President Bush is prodding Congress to pass trade, housing and terrorist surveillance laws while he minds his foreign policy agenda in Europe.

The president made his pitch to lawmakers before he and first lady Laura Bush departed the South Lawn on Monday morning.

Bush pushed for Congress to pass a free-trade deal with Colombia, a law to modernize the Federal Housing Administration, and an update to a law allowing eavesdropping on suspect terrorists.

“These are all vital priorities,” the president said.

Bush is on his way to the Ukraine, the first stop in a week of travels in Europe. He is promoting NATO expansion and trying to shore up ties with allies.

Associated Press Reports