By Congress Daily

In 2000, then-state Sen. John (Joe) Schwarz chaired the presidential bid of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in Michigan, and helped to engineer a McCain victory in the state's primary.

This year, McCain is seeking to help Schwarz join him on Capitol Hill: The Arizona senator will travel to the state's 7th District on June 14 to appear at three fundraisers designed to boost Schwarz's bid for the House.

Schwarz -- who, like McCain, is a former Navy officer -- is seeking the Republican nomination to succeed retiring GOP Rep. Nick Smith.

A moderate who has the backing of the Republican Main Street Partnership, Schwarz faces five opponents in this summer's Republican primary -- including the incumbent's son, attorney Brad Smith.