McCain campaign hits Albuquerque restaurant

After a week of getting Republicans fired up about their campaign, presidential nominee John McCain and running mate Sarah Palin stocked up on some of the hot stuff.

They stopped at El Pinto restaurant in Albuquerque's north valley, shaking hands with customers before McCain bought several bottles of the restaurant's popular salsa for himself and Palin.

The two held a rally in Albuquerque on Saturday, attracting more than 6,000 supporters, then stayed overnight.

There were no public events scheduled Sunday. After Palin went for a morning jog and McCain conducted satellite interviews with selected media outlets around the country, the GOP group left its hotel and drove to El Pinto.

McCain and Palin, along with the Alaska governor's husband, Todd, spoke to lunchtime diners on the patio. Campaign officials ordered meals to go.

El Pinto co-owner John Thomas said McCain pointed a finger and said, "I've got to buy some salsa from you before we leave."

McCain bought medium and hot salsa. Palin left with medium green chile sauce and roasted green chile.

Hostess Savannah Brandenburg said McCain indicated he prefers green chile over red, "and he likes it hot."

President Bush has visited El Pinto previously and Democrat Hillary Clinton dined there last month after attending New Mexico fundraisers.