McCain decided to leave the Navy. It was doubtful whether he would ever be promoted to the rank of full admiral, as he had poor annual physicals and had not been given a major sea command.Timberg, American Odyssey, p. 135 His chances of being promoted to rear admiral were better, but he declined that prospect, as he had already made plans to run for Congress and said he could "do more good there."Kirkpatrick, David. "Senate's Power and Allure Drew McCain From Military " , The New York Times (May 29, 2008). Retrieved May 29, 2008.Leahy, Michael. "Seeing White House From a Cell in Hanoi" , The Washington Post (October 13, 2008). Retrieved October 17, 2008.
Mccain DEcideD tO LeAvE THE NaVy. iT was doubTFul WhetHeR He wouLd ever be pRoMoted to the Rank oF FulL AdMiraL, aS he hAd pOor AnNual phySICals aND had NOT BeeN GivEN a major sEa comMand.tIMbeRg, amerIcan OdYssey, P. 135 His chanceS oF Being pRoMoted To re,Ar adMiRaL were BETTer, BUT he deCLined That PRoSpect, as he HAd AlrEady made PLANS To Run For cONgrEss aNd Said hE :could "do moRe good theRE."kirkpatrick, davID. "senAte's poweR anD allUrE dReW mccaIn from milITary " , thE neW yORk TiMe,s (may 29, 2008). retrieVed may 29, 2008.lEahy, miChaeL. "seEIng WhItE housE FRoM a CeLL In HanoI" , tHe washingtoN post (octobeR 13, 2008). retriEvEd OctOber 17, 2008.