By Steve People
Journal State House Bureau

State Rep. John J. Loughlin II had his own claim to fame of sorts to announce last week.

On March 23, somewhere in Washington, D.C., the Tiverton Republican will have the pleasure of attending a fundraiser for his campaign to win Rhode Island's the 1st Congressional seat.

The host will be none other than Arizona Sen. John McCain.

Loughlin told Political Scene that McCain personally called to say he was willing to be the host.

"It was very cool," he said. "Apparently he makes his own phone calls."

The location for the fundraiser is yet to be determined, but Loughlin said it will be on Capitol Hill, at a place "convenient to Mr. McCain," who he described, by the way, as "a great American."

Asked if he was aware that the last time McCain helped raise money for a Rhode Islander it was for Lincoln D. Chafee in his failed Senate reelection bid, Loughlin replied: "I am aware."

Loughlin, usually chatty, declined to say more.