FORT MYERS, Fla. - Veteran Sen. John McCain, 71, fielded a question at a rally on Saturday about whether his age was an issue as he battles to become the Republican Party’s pick for president in the state’s upcoming primary contest.  
 
His reply to voters attending the event? They should get to know his mother, the feisty and opinionated Roberta McCain, 95.
 
Mrs. McCain cropped up in the campaign earlier this week when she told a television interviewer that her son had no support “whatsoever” within the Republican Party.
 
Far from feeling stung at the age comment, McCain launched into an anecdote on Saturday celebrating her vigor.
 
“Last Christmas she wanted to drive around France, so she flew to Paris and tried to rent a car, but they said she was too old,” he told the military veterans and retirees.
 
“So she bought one and drove around France. That’s my girl! That’s my girl!” he said, to laughter.
    
He went on to assure voters that his ability to campaign was undimmed by age.
 
“I can out campaign anyone, it invigorates me.”  

Click here for more Reuters 2008 campaign coverage. 

- Photo credit: Reuters/Joshua Lott (McCain celebrates a victory in South Carolina’s primary earlier this month as his mother watches from the side of the stage.)