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AP Photos By MATT GOURAS Associated Press Writer Missoula, Mont. (AP) A Vietnam war hero joined former U.S.

Sen. Conrad Burns to tout John McCain in anticipation of a tug-of-war with Ron Paul supporters over the state's delegates to the national GOP convention.

Burns told several hundred Republicans that McCain is "tried and true" and worthy of conservative votes.

A Montana man who spent time in Vietnam POW camps with McCain says McCain has "gumption and guts." Rod Knutson says he is proud to support McCain.

Paul supporters have a strong presence at this year's state Republican convention in Missoula and promise to use their manpower to get more Paul delegates to the national convention.

Paul finished second in the state's Super Tuesday caucus, behind Mitt Romney. McCain finished third.

Paul is attending the convention. He told excited supporters in a small afternoon meeting that the support he has in Montana is the best he has received anywhere.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-20-08 1636CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list