Various sources called with rumors early today that presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain was headed to Missouri next week. And now, the Springfield News-Leader and other southwest Missouri news outlets are confirming it.

McCain is slated to be at Missouri State University next Wednesday for a mid-day appearance. His address is to focus on energy, GOP sources say.

The state Republican Party says it’s confirming nothing, but will have information Friday.

The visit will be McCain’s first to Missouri since his Democratic opponent was definitely determined to be fellow Sen. Barack Obama.

Just as Obama’s St. Louis visit earlier this week was an obvious pitch to the Democratic base, Springfield — in the midst of the Republican heartland – is a natural for McCain’s first general-election stop.

McCain needs strong support from the evangelicals and rank-and-file Republicans in southwest Missouri.

McCain was in St. Louis County — key swing territory – in March.