Former congressman J.D. Hayworth Hayworth to launch GOP primary challenge to McCain

Hayworth, a conservative talk-radio host, is inaugurating his effort with a rally in Phoenix Monday morning followed by a three-day statewide tour.

Conservatives in Arizona have long been skeptical of McCain, who carved out a niche as a maverick senator working with Democrats on key issues.

But McCain has consistently evaded political threats from the right and lately has staked out solidly conservative positions.

McCain also plans a campaign event on Monday, with a group of mayors set to announce their support for him at an American Legion lodge in Tempe.

Hayworth is positioning himself as the race's reliable conservative in contrast to an erratic McCain who he says can't be trusted to support Republican values.

As evidence he points to a series of McCain flip-flops that Hayworth calls "campaign-year conversions" on issues including gays in the military, climate change, campaign finance and immigration.