McCain insists he's 'always an underdog'

John McCain claimed the role of resident underdog Wednesday in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, despite his big win in the New Hampshire primary.

Adding to the most wide open presidential campaign in a half-century, associates of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg disclosed he had authorized polling and voter analysis in all 50 states in a possible precursor to an independent candidacy.

McCain made simultaneous appeals to independents and Republicans as he campaigned in Michigan for a victory that could drive former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney from the race.

The Republican establishment has never embraced me in my entire life. But I think we just proved that we can get the support of enough to win an election,'' he told reporters on his way to Grand Rapids. He added he would try to remind evangelical voters ''that my social conservative record has been consistent and unchanging.''

New Hampshire win or no, he said in Grand Rapids, ''I'm always an underdog. I always want to be called an underdog.''

Romney withdrew television advertising in South Carolina and Florida, two states with primaries later this month, despite telling supporters the race was just getting started and raising $1.5 million during the day for the campaign for the nomination. ''We feel the best strategy is to focus our paid messaging in Michigan,'' said his spokesman, Kevin Madden.