ST. PAUL, Minn. - Republicans have nominated Sen. John McCain for president, handing the senator the prize that eluded him eight years ago.

By a roll call vote Wednesday, the Arizona senator clinched his party's nod. The late-night vote was conducted after vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin addressed the Republican National Convention.

McCain is scheduled to accept the nomination in a speech Thursday night. He heads into a competitive fall campaign against Democratic nominee Barack Obama.

If elected, the 72-year-old McCain would be the oldest first-term president.

The Associated Press, September 4, 2008