ST. PAUL -- Steven Levy, the GOP candidate trying to capture the seat of Democratic state Sen. Pam Resor, said Monday that presumptive Republican nominee John McCain will help his prospects more in the Middlesex and Worcester district than if former Gov. Mitt Romney won the nomination.

Levy (R-Marlborough) is currently facing state Rep. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) in the race to replace Resor (D-Acton), who is retiring from the state Senate.

"It has always been my position," Levy told PolitickerMA.com in a phone interview, "that McCain was better for down ballot Republicans than Mitt."

Levy said McCain has more "crossover appeal" to Democrats and independents than Romney of Belmont. Romney, he said, definitely has support among Bay State Republicans but doesn't appeal to independents as well. And, with more than 50 percent of the electorate being unenrolled, Levy said those voters will be critical to his success this year.

Asked if Romney would help his prospects had McCain chosen him as his running mate, Levy again said the former governor probably wouldn't be influential. "I don't think the vice presidential pick makes a big difference down ballot," he said.

But, he added that personally he is "thrilled with the Sarah Palin pick," referring to the Alaska governor chosen by McCain to be his No. 2.

Hopefully, Levy said, McCain will appeal to independents in the state Senate district and then they will "stay on that side of the ticket."