DES MOINES (AP) - Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain is probably the only GOP candidate equipped to survive in an election that is badly tilted against the party.

That is the view of Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota, who told The Associated Press in an interview on Friday that despite sour poll ratings for President Bush and an unpopular war that McCain backs "there's a pathway there for him" to win the presidency.

Thune spoke with the AP before talking to GOP activists before the Republican Party of Iowa's annual Lincoln Day dinner on Friday night. The fundraiser gives Thune a high-profile role in a state that traditionally launches the presidential nominating season, but he downplayed any personal motives for the visit, saying he was focused on boosting McCain.

"I don't have any ambitions at this point" beyond holding his Senate seat and helping McCain, he told the AP.

Despite focusing on McCain, Thune's presence meant he could solidify ties to the more than 500 GOP activists who raised more than $65,000 for the party. He argued that McCain is uniquely positioned top pull off something of a November surprise.

"If you look at all those, the atmospherics, they probably aren't good for Republicans this fall," Thune said. "Senator McCain is a very unique candidate, probably the only Republican who could win this fall."

Thune said he believes McCain can win because he appeals across party lines. He cited McCain's performance among political independents.

If McCain were to focus on turnout among independents it would mark a dramatic departure from the campaign strategy that President Bush followed in winning a second term. He turned the 2004 election into a turnout contest, and emphasized turning out the Republican base.

Thune said the shift in strategy allows McCain to put into play some states that Republicans write off traditionally, including Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

He said it might also help take back New Hampshire which fell into Democratic hands last time.

"I think in the heartland there are going to be states where they are vying," said Thune.

Thune said his role in the campaign likely would be to stump for McCain throughout the farm belt, and he argued that Iowa would be a key battleground state. It narrowly went for Al Gore in 2000, and just as narrowly fell to Bush in 2004.

"One of those states will be Iowa," said Thune. "You will be in the crosshairs again."

Thune laughed off questions about whether his trip would touch off speculation that he is a potential presidential candidate down the road.

"If there's anyplace you do that, I'm sure it's Iowa," Thune said. "I'm from a neighboring state and your party was kind enough to invite me and the schedule worked out."