John McCain is anticipating a little extraterrestrial help on Tuesday.

At a rally in Roswell, New Mexico, the Republican presidential candidate worked some local color into his speech.

“I’ve been to Roswell before and I know of the alien landing, and I am pleased to announce that I have received the alien endorsement.”

UFO buffs know the city as the site of a supposed 1947 crash by an alien craft, and several in the crowd waved alien dolls plastered with McCain stickers.

But there’s more to this story than just a routine bit of pandering.

The Weekly World News also reports that McCain has wrapped up the alien vote.

“Both political camps are buzzing about the implications, as the Alien has correctly predicted the winning president in every election for the past 28 years,” the supermarket tabloid reports.

“What impact this news will have on the election has yet to be determined. Swing state voters, who will decide this election, have the highest rate of alien abductions and UFO sightings and are known to vote in accordance with supernatural forces,” the News says.

There’s more, including a steamy hot-tub photo, on the tabloid’s Web site.

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