John McCain says ex-running mate Sarah Palin remains formidable force in the Republican Party

McCain says Palin remains strong force in the GOP

WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain says Sarah Palin remains a formidable force in the Republican Party despite widespread criticisms of his 2008 running mate.

McCain says he still has great affection for the former Alaska governor.

One of McCain’s top advisers from his presidential campaign has said Palin would be a catastrophe for the GOP if she’s the party’s presidential nominee in 2012.

McCain says tensions are to be expected among campaign officials during and after a tough election.

The Arizona senator says he’s happy to have good Republicans eyeing the 2012 presidential race and says “Sarah is one of them.”

McCain spoke on CNN’s “State of the Union.”