Sen. John McCain estimates that if proposed defense spending cuts go into effect Jan. 1, the state of Florida will lose about 42,000 jobs and about $3.6 billion.

McCain predicts massive defense sector unemployment and gaunt armed forces at a time when the country needs a strong military.

"We are looking at, in our view, an emergency situation," McCain said Monday to a crowd of about 60 supporters in Tampa.

McCain and fellow senators Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., came to town on Monday as part of a four-state tour to protest what McCain calls "draconian cuts" to the nation's defense budget. The senators also will hold sessions in Virginia, New Hampshire and North Carolina — states that are all home to military bases and defense contracting jobs.

Story here. (Times photo by Cherie Diez)