The Political Inquirer

From Jonathan Martin:

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) will throw his support to John McCain tomorrow at a press conference in the South Carolina capitol, a source familiar with Wilson’s decision confirms.

The move may seem odd given that the Palmetto State primary has already taken place. Naturally, Wilson could have been more of an asset had he gotten behind McCain before last Saturday.

But on another level the timing makes perfect sense — and makes a statement about the softening of conservative opposition to McCain.

Wilson, an establishment and loyal Republican if there ever was one, represents the suburban Columbia GOP bulwark of Lexington County.

Lexington overwhelmingly went for George W. Bush when he ran against McCain in 2000. This time, though, McCain carried the county by a slightly higher margin than what he won statewide.

Shrewd and responsive congressman that he is, Wilson took note of how his constituents voted.

More than that, though, Wilson represents the plight of the GOP establishment this time around. He was initially sympathetic to George Allen, but then saw no candidate approaching this sort of mainstream conservatism after the Virginian flamed out. So he sat out his own primary.

But now, recognizing the remaining options, he’s settling on McCain. Or maybe settling for McCain. Either way, it works for Team Mac.

Wilson, I’m told, is likely to stump for McCain in some of the more conservative jurisdictions of Florida in the coming days.