Sen. John McCain shifted his presidential campaign focus to Ohio today, arriving this afternoon in Columbus where he hopes to celebrate a victory in the Wisconsin primary later tonight.

Speaking to reporters at a Downtown hotel, McCain said, “We have to campaign hard here.”

While the Arizona Republican has all but locked up his party’s nomination, McCain said he will continue to compete hard for GOP and independent votes in Ohio’s March 4 primary.

Despite a commanding lead, McCain still faces opposition from former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who has vowed to stay in the race until McCain reaches the necessary 1,191 delegates to win the nomination. As of today, McCain has 908 delegates; Huckabee has 245.

In Ohio, 88 delegates are at stake.

McCain rejected criticism from Ohio Democrats who earlier today said he was out of touch with Ohioans' top concerns: the economy and jobs.

“I’ll be spending enough time (in Ohio) to explain my vision,” McCain said.

Specifically, he said he supports reducing taxes, reducing interest rates, encouraging green technologies and overhauling programs for displaced workers. “The current ones were designed for the 1950s.”

McCain said community colleges are best positioned to implement training programs that will fit the specific needs of the area.

“That will be one of my highest priorities,” he said.

While behind the scenes, McCain’s campaign has begun to strategize for the general election, the senator said his focus remains on the primary battle.

He suggested his immediate focus on the campaign trail is on reaching out to “dispirited” conservatives.

“We have a lot of work to unite and energize” conservatives, he said.

And, his campaign lags in fund raising.

Before tonight’s rally at Columbus’ Renaissance Hotel, McCain will be attending a fund raiser and organizational meeting at The Columbus Club. Wednesday he will be campaigning with former Sen. Mike DeWine in Yellow Springs.

ccandisky@dispatch.com