John McCain and his wife Cindy attend a rally in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, September 1999. McCain sought the presidency in 2000, but his loss in the South Carolina primary to George W. Bush was seen by many as the turning point in his failed campaign.

McCain ultimately would win a South Carolina primary – in January 2008.

"Thank you, South Carolina, for bringing us across the finish line first in the first-in-the-South primary," McCain said on the night of his victory. "You know, it took us awhile, but what's eight years among friends?" the senator joked.

(© AP Images)