Joe McCain Says Inner Suburbs Are "Communist"

Sen. John McCain's brother, Joe, made an apparent joke today that Democratic-leaning Alexandria and Arlington are "Communist country."

Speaking at an event in support of his brother in Loudoun County, Joe McCain said, "I've lived here for at least 10 years and before that about every third duty I was in either Arlington or Alexandria, up in communist country," according to a Washington Post reporter who was there. Joe McCain, who like his brother is a veteran of the Vietnam war, then apologized, but he drew laughter from the GOP faithful at the event.

Joe McCain's remarks may not sit well with some residents of Arlington and Alexandria, who by the way include his brother.

John McCain owns a condominium in Arlington County. The McCain campaign's national and Virginia headquarters are also located in Arlington County.

"This was Joe McCain's unsuccessful attempt at humor," said McCain spokeswoman Gail Gitcho. "John McCain and Sarah Palin are committed to winning the support of voters in Northern Virginia and understand the region's importance to victory statewide."