Several people, including Michael Dennehy (politics), Carla Eudy (finance), Brett O'Donnell (debates) and Jill Hazelbaker (communications), played significant roles. And some Republican politicians, most notably South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, have been all but attached to McCain's side.
But five seasoned political operatives closed ranks to form McCain's inner circle through his improbable primary comeback and now as he embarks on the general election.
This is McCain's brain trust:
— Rick Davis: One of McCain's closest advisers for more than a decade, Davis managed his first presidential campaign in 2000. A longtime Washington lobbyist, Davis has strong ties to major GOP fundraisers. He also is close to McCain's wife, Cindy. Davis was chief executive officer as McCain's second campaign began. By summer, the staff shakeup resulted in Davis' elevation to campaign manager. His objectives then were to stabilize finances and let McCain be himself. His objective now is to guide the inevitable growth.
— Mark Salter: His links to McCain are so long and deep that that Salter can sometimes seem to know just as much about McCain's life as the candidate himself does. Salter is often called McCain's alter ego. He spent years as McCain's Senate chief of staff and is the co-author of several of McCain's books, including ''Faith of Our Fathers,'' the story of his military career. Among his duties these days: writing McCain's campaign speeches, flawlessly capturing the candidate's voice.
— Charlie Black: Involved in GOP politics for dozens of years, Black was a senior adviser to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. He also has a close association with the current president. Now chairman of the lobbying firm BKSH & Associates, Black signed on with McCain in an informal capacity last year, but his role quickly mushroomed after McCain's near implosion. He's now considered the dean of the group, with a historical knowledge of campaigns and GOP establishment connections.
— Steve Schmidt: A veteran of President Bush's 2004 campaign and the White House, Schmidt managed California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's successful re-election bid two years later. Now a partner of Mercury Public Affairs and based in California, Schmidt was an informal adviser in the McCain campaign's early months. He established a rapport with McCain that withstood the summertime turmoil. By late fall, Schmidt was heavily involved in the campaign's communication and strategy.
— Mark McKinnon: Bush's media adviser in 2000 and 2004, McKinnon has been with McCain from the start. He has produced McCain's TV ads at cost. A Public Strategies vice chairman and Maverick Media's president, the former country-rock songwriter splits his time between Texas and Washington. His future with the campaign is unclear. Having worked for Democrats before, McKinnon has signaled that he will support McCain ''from the sidelines'' if Obama, whom he respects, is the Democratic nominee.