LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell used his
speech at the Republican National Convention to praise John
McCain's valor as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

McConnell says his Senate colleague would display the same
character as commander in chief.

The four-term Kentucky senator spoke on the third night of the
GOP convention in St. Paul, Minn.

He said McCain's heroism as a prisoner of war is only one reason
to vote for McCain. McConnell said what McCain endured as a captive
showed the type of character he would take to the White House.

McConnell often mentions McCain on the campaign trail, though
the two have differed on some key issues in the past - most notably
campaign-finance reform.

McConnell also praised McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin,
saying people have come to respect and admire her record. Since her
selection as McCain's running mate, the Alaska governor has come
under intense scrutinty.

The disclosures included the pregnancy of her unmarried
17-year-old daughter, and that a private attorney is authorized to
spend $95,000 of state money to defend her against accusations of
abuse of power.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)