McCain leads Senators as most mentioned in broadcast media coverage

— -- It's been nearly four years since John McCain lost his second bid for the presidency, but the Arizona senator is still getting more media attention than any of his Senate colleagues.

According to a study by the University of Minnesota's Smart Politics blog, McCain was the most mentioned member of the Senate in national television and radio reports during the first six months of the year.

McCain's name was touted in 1,958 news stories between January and June—an average of roughly 10 stories a day.

The only other senator who even came close to McCain's tally: Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who has been frequently talked about as a possible vice presidential running mate to Mitt Romney. He was referenced in 830 stories—or roughly 4 stories per day.