Robert Novak reporting on Bilbray's win in the CA-50th:

Sen. John McCain canceled his scheduled appearance for Republican Brian Bilbray, who won Tuesday's special congressional election in San Diego to replace the disgraced Duke Cunningham, not out of pique but because the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) suggested it would be a good idea.

McCain canceled his visit after Bilbray repeatedly attacked the Kennedy-McCain immigration "amnesty" bill. The Bilbray campaign did not ask McCain to cancel, and the senator had planned to fulfill his commitment. However, the NRCC suggested McCain's presence would not be helpful in a campaign where Bilbray was stressing opposition to illegal immigration.

 A footnote: Republican National Chairman Ken Mehlman is credited with masterminding operations that retained the congressional seat.