Republican congressional candidate Martha Rainville landed a visit by U.S. Sen. John McCain.

The Arizona senator will be in Vermont on Saturday, July 22 for a town-meeting-style appearance with Rainville. Unlike first lady Laura Bush's fund-raising visit for Rainville, McCain's visit will feature a free and open to the public event, at a location to be determined. Vermonters will be able to ask McCain and Rainville questions, Rainville spokesman Brendan McKenna said.

McCain last visited Vermont in 1999, where as a presidential candidate he attracted a crowd of about 500 to Burlington City Hall for a town-meeting-style event.

As far as national Republicans go, this is about as palatable a one as you can find for Vermonters. Given McCain's emphasis on campaign finance reform, this also allows Rainville another chance to trumpet her "clean campaign pledge."

- Terri Hallenbeck