LINDA STOUFFER, CNN ANCHOR: CNN has learned Senator John McCain is suspending his GOP presidential campaign. We're joined live now by CNN's Jonathan Karl in Sedona, Arizona, for more on that. Good morning, Jonathan.</s>JONATHAN KARL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning. Ever since McCain's disappointing performance on Super Tuesday, he has been here in Arizona and is secluded in his cabin near Cottonwood, talking with his advisers and his family about what course to take. And indeed, he will be suspending his campaign, effectively ending his campaign for president, but vowing that he will continue his, what he calls, "crusade" to reform the American political system. By suspending his campaign, McCain is effectively ending his campaign but also maintaining control over his delegates, which would give him the option of jumping in should something unforeseen happen to the Bush campaign. But more importantly, his advisers emphasize, suspending his campaign, keeping his delegates, will allow him to go into the Republican convention this summer and push for his agenda of campaign-finance reform. McCain believes he's got an important role to play in this party. He knows that George W. Bush really needs his support if he is to win in November. Look at the state of California: McCain and Bush combined did better than Gore. But to beat Gore, Bush is going to need some of McCain's supporters, and he's going to be -- so McCain believes he's got a very critical role to play as the Republican Party moves toward the November election. Reporting live from Sedona, Arizona, this is Jonathan Karl.</s>STOUFFER: Jonathan, thank you.
Election 2000: Sen. John McCain to Suspend GOP Presidential Campaign, Continue 'Crusade' to Reform Political System