When the Republican primary campaign was still in full swing, the presidential candidates seemed to be in constant competition to see who could invoke the name of Republican demigod Ronald Reagan most often, in an attempt to don his mantle and ride it to the presidential nomination. Now, finally, John McCain will get that mantle handed to him.

According to the Associated Press, Nancy Reagan, the former president's widow, will be endorsing McCain Tuesday evening. In a statement, Reagan said, "John McCain has been a good friend for over thirty years. My husband and I first came to know him as a returning Vietnam War POW, and were impressed by the courage he had shown through his terrible ordeal. I believe John's record and experience have prepared him well to be our next president."

Reagan and McCain will reportedly meet privately in her California home, then appear together in front of cameras outside.