mccain_060007.jpg, originally uploaded by amanda koster.

The Republican candidate most often associate with the “flip-flopper” label is Mitt Romney, but in today’s Washington Times, reporter Stephen Dinan explores whether John McCain deserves to be called one as well.

Sen. John McCain has quietly been piling up flip-flops, including ditching his long-held support for the Law of the Sea convention and telling bloggers he now opposes the DREAM Act to legalize illegal alien students.

The sea treaty has become the latest litmus test for the 2008 Republican presidential field, and after a decade-long record of public support for it, Mr. McCain has pivoted to bring himself in line with the rest of the candidates.

I was a participant on the blogger call that Dinan references, and I’m quoted in his story because I asked McCain the question about the Law of the Sea Treaty. McCain’s answer — that he would oppose LOST in its current form — apparently contrasts with his previous statements on the treaty.

Every candidate running for president is going to face the charge of being a flip-flopper. I personally don’t mind as long as they take the right position. In this case, McCain is acting like a savvy politician and aligning with his base.