McCain Is Fighting to Win the Catholic Vote

"He has to make sure they know he's pro-life; he has to explain why he supports the Iraq War. He needs to be able to tell that story in terms of Catholic just-war doctrine," Hudson said. The doctrine, also known as the just-war tradition, is reflected in the catechism of the Catholic Church and sets strict conditions for the use of defensive military force.

And he has to stay away from missteps like the Hagee endorsement. "I wrote to Hagee in 1997 asking him to knock it off," Donohue said of the pastor's incendiary statements. "I thought the Republicans would have learned. That's what surprised me."

As for the McCain campaign, it is anxious to move on.

"We're satisfied the issue is closed and that Sen. McCain properly repudiated Rev. Hagee's controversial statements," McCain campaign spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker said today. "Going forward, Sen. McCain will continue to reach out to all people of faith who share his positive vision for America's future."