John McCain's brother made a joke at a campaign rally this weekend that might not play well in parts of newly competitive Virginia.

Joe McCain was speaking at an event for his brother, when he called Arlington and Alexandria, two Democratic-leaning areas of Northern Virginia, "communist country."

The Washington Post's Web site says the remark at a Loudoun County event drew laughter. But Joe McCain has since apologized.

A McCain campaign spokeswoman called it "Joe McCain's unsuccessful attempt at humor." She added that "John McCain and Sarah Palin are committed to winning" supporters in Northern Virginia.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)