U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Utah Senators Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett have endorsed John McCain for president.
"John McCain has the experience and maturity necessary to lead our country," said Senator Hatch. "There will be no learning curve when he enters the Oval Office. Unlike his rivals on the Democratic side, John's motorcade will not need training wheels."
John McCain thanked Senators Hatch and Bennett for their support, stating, "I appreciate Orrin and Bob's support of my campaign and look forward to working with my colleagues towards victory in November. Their advice and counsel on issues important to voters in Utah will be a great asset to our campaign."
Utah's senior senator, Senator Hatch is perhaps best known for his chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee, a position in which he served from 1995 to 2001 and again from 2003 to 2005. Still the senior Republican on the committee, Senator Hatch has participated in the confirmation hearings of eight of the nine current Supreme Court justices and countless federal judges.
Elected in 1996, Senator Bennett serves on the Republican leadership team as counsel to Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, where he advises the leader on legislative strategy and policy priorities. He is also the ranking Republican on the Senate Rules Committee and the Appropriation Committee's Subcommittee on Agriculture.
Friday, February 29, 2008
UTAH SENATORS UNITE BEHIND JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
OHIO CONGRESSMEN BOB LATTA, RALPH REGULA, AND MIKE TURNER ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Ohio Congressmen Bob Latta, Ralph Regula, and Mike Turner have endorsed John McCain for president.
"While the Democrats offer veiled hope and empty promises, John McCain has the knowledge and experience necessary to lead our great country through challenging times," said Congressman Regula. "John McCain is the only candidate who is prepared to serve as commander in chief on his first day in the Oval Office."
"In his 25 years in Congress, Senator McCain has worked to reduce federal spending and lower taxes," said Congressman Turner. "The senator's vow to permanently reduce the taxes which are burdening American families, while cutting rising federal spending is the right approach to our budget process. I am proud to support John McCain for president."
Congressman Latta added, "Senator McCain has the battle tested credentials to continue to keep our nation safe and secure as we fight terrorism around the world. Furthermore, John McCain knows that America's working families need real tax relief and will fight Washington bureaucrats to bring an end to wasteful pork barrel spending."
John McCain thanked Congressmen Latta, Turner and Regula for their support, stating, "I'm honored to have the support of my congressional colleagues. Bob, Mike and Ralph have served the people of Ohio with honor for many years and I look forward to working with them towards victory in the state's primary and in November."
Congressman Latta represents Ohio's 5th Congressional District. The district, the second-largest in the state, includes most of Toledo's suburbs. He was born in Bluffton, Ohio and his father, Del Latta, represented Ohio's 5th from 1959 to 1989. Congressman Latta and his wife Marcia have two children.
Congressman Turner represents Ohio's 3rd Congressional District. He serves on the House Veterans' Affairs, the House Armed Services and the House Government Reform Committees. He chairs the House Republican Policy Committee's task force on Urban Revitalization, and is also a member of the House Historic Preservation Caucus, the Former Mayors Caucus, and the Real Estate Caucus. A life-long resident of Dayton, Ohio, Congressman Turner and his wife Lori have two daughters.
Congressman Regula represents Ohio's 16th Congressional District which includes Stark, Wayne and portions of Ashland and Medina Counties. He is the Ranking Minority Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. Congressman Regula served in the U.S. Navy. He was born in Beach City, Ohio. He and his wife Mary have three children and four grandchildren.
STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON PASTOR HAGEE ENDORSEMENT
U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the following statement by John McCain on his endorsement by Pastor John Hagee:
"Yesterday, Pastor John Hagee endorsed my candidacy for president in San Antonio, Texas. However, in no way did I intend for his endorsement to suggest that I in turn agree with all of Pastor Hagee's views, which I obviously do not.
"I am hopeful that Catholics, Protestants and all people of faith who share my vision for the future of America will respond to our message of defending innocent life, traditional marriage, and compassion for the most vulnerable in our society."
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The McCain Update - February 29, 2008
This week, John McCain traveled through Ohio and Texas in advance of Tuesday's primaries in each state. From Tyler and San Antonio to Cleveland and Cincinnati, the crowds at all of John McCain's events were excited, and the energy was contagious.
In West Chester, Ohio, John McCain visited the Armor Holdings factory where they assemble armored vehicles used in Iraq. After touring the plant, he held a town hall meeting, speaking to hundreds of employees before answering questions.
John McCain also held a town hall meeting at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy in Houston, Texas. After the event, former Secretary of State James Baker endorsed John McCain. Secretary Baker said, "I support John McCain because he has the critical leadership qualities, real-world experience, and resolute moral compass that our next president will need in order to responsibly address the daunting global and domestic challenges that lie ahead." Click here to read the press release of this endorsement. To read our growing list of supporters, click here.
The Democrats Attack
This week we witnessed the first of the negative TV attacks that will be waged against John McCain. The liberal group VoteVets.org has begun airing an attack ad on cable television that flat out lies about John McCain's positions. We saw a similar attack from the New York Times last week, and it is only the beginning.
National Liberal Democratic groups are rolling out their strategy for the General Election, and we need your help now to combat the upcoming attacks. It appears that the politics of "hope and change" are euphemisms for even more vicious attacks than we've ever seen before. All the usual liberal suspects - MoveOn.org, the Democratic National Committee, The New York Times and others - are adding to the efforts under way by VoteVets.org and are plotting to spend over $20 million to smear John McCain.
We need your immediate help to fight back against this attack from the angry Liberal Left. There is nothing they will hold back, no limit to what they will spend, and we have to be ready to fight back and tell voters what we already know: that John McCain is the right person to lead our country on day one. Click here to contribute today.
Show Your McCain Pride
To show our appreciation for your on-going support of John McCain, we are offering a special thank you. With your immediate contribution of $100 or more, you will be sent an official John McCain 2008 lapel pin that identifies you as a key McCain supporter. John McCain remains steadfast in his commitment to leadership that promotes principle over politics, and now he needs a commitment from you.
As a supporter of John McCain's presidential campaign, you will receive a special McCain 2008 lapel pin with your donation of $100 or more today. We need your financial support now more than ever as we build our campaign funds to take on the Democrats in the fall. Please show your support by making a donation and proudly wearing the McCain lapel pin. Thank you.
Latest News
Below are some of the top news articles from this week. For more news articles and press releases, go to www.JohnMcCain.com for the latest update.
AP: McCain Returning To Say Thanks To NH
Tyler (TX) Morning Telegraph: McCain Played to His Strengths
Houston Chronicle (TX): Poll: McCain And Obama Lead In Texas
Washington Times: McCain, Obama Spar Over Iraq War Policy
Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TX): McCain Chides Obama Over War
Los Angeles Times: McCain Has Edge Over Democrats
New York Times: The Real McCain
Akron Beacon Journal (OH): McCain Says Ohio To See Lots Of Him
USA Today: Democrats Promise A Lot, But Who Will Pay The Bill?
Indianapolis Star (IN): McCain Stays On Message In Meeting
For more information, log on to www.JohnMcCain.com and please be sure to forward this newsletter on to family, friends and fellow John McCain supporters.
The Associated Press: Dems Take McCain Out Of Context On Iraq
"No, John McCain is not proposing a 100-year war in Iraq. ... The Democrats leave out a vital caveat. When McCain was asked about Bush's theory that U.S. troops could be in Iraq for 50 years, the senator said: 'Maybe 100. As long as Americans are not being injured or harmed or wounded or killed ...' ... A troop presence that does not involve Americans being harmed is, by definition, not a war." -- The Associated Press
Dems Take McCain Out Of Context On Iraq
By Calvin Woodward
The Associated Press
February 29, 2008
No, John McCain is not proposing a 100-year war in Iraq.
The future Republican presidential nominee and the Democrats vying to run against him in the fall are engaged in a debate of sorts over how long U.S. troops should stay in Iraq and under what circumstances.
That's a genuine point of contention. But Hillary Rodham Clinton and especially Barack Obama have distilled McCain's position into sound bite oversimplifications, suggesting he foresees a war without end in anyone's lifetime.
THE SPIN:
Obama: "We are bogged down in a war that John McCain now suggests might go on for another 100 years."
Clinton: "I've also been a leader in trying to prevent President Bush from getting us committed to staying in Iraq regardless, for as long as Senator McCain and others have said it might be -- 50 to 100 years."
THE FACTS:
The Democrats leave out a vital caveat.
When McCain was asked about Bush's theory that U.S. troops could be in Iraq for 50 years, the senator said: "Maybe 100. As long as Americans are not being injured or harmed or wounded or killed, it's fine with me, and I hope it would be fine with you, if we maintain a presence in a very volatile part of the world where al-Qaida is training, recruiting, equipping and motivating people every single day."
A troop presence that does not involve Americans being harmed is, by definition, not a war.
That hasn't stopped the Democrats from making hay with the comment on a frequent basis. And it's seeped down to voters, one of whom challenged McCain this week on his remark.
The senator pointed to the half-century or longer U.S. presence in South Korea and other parts of the world where forces are stationed to deter conflict, not fight one.
"No American argues against our military presence in Korea or Japan or Germany or Kuwait or other places, or Turkey, because America is not receiving casualties," he said. In fact, some Americans do argue against permanent bases in far-flung places, but not with the same vigor they oppose a war with casualties.
The White House said in May that Bush envisioned a long-term U.S. troop presence in Iraq similar to the one in South Korea, where American forces have helped keep an uneasy peace for more than 50 years.
Read The Associated Press Article: "Dems Take McCain Out Of Context On Iraq"
Thursday, February 28, 2008
From McCain Campaign
Dear McCain Supporter,
So what only happens once every four years?
It's Leap Day tomorrow and that only happens once every four years.
We also have to the opportunity to elect a new president - once every four years.
In November 2008, we will have the opportunity to pick the next commander in chief to lead our country forward -- John McCain. This year we'll also have the opportunity to spend one extra day campaigning for the candidate of our choice -- John McCain.
It's hard to believe that the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire Primary were only two months ago. Now we are looking at next week's big primaries in Texas, Ohio, Vermont and Rhode Island, which should supply the remaining delegates needed for John McCain to capture the Republican nomination. He is taking his hopeful message of national security, lower taxes, fiscal conservatism, and congressional earmark reform to Americans across the country in townhall meetings, rallies, and interviews.
It is important for John McCain to win these primaries on Tuesday and we need your help to get there. Have you joined the campaign? Or would you consider an additional contribution to help us with these very important primary races? These states will be very important in the general election. We need to do everything we can to turn out our voters and show the strength and commitment of every Republican.
Please consider helping the senator with a contribution of either $366 in honor of the Leap Year or $250 -- a dollar for every day left until the general election.
Your contribution will help secure the Republican nomination for John McCain on Tuesday.
As always, we are grateful for your support.
The McCain Campaign
PS. Did you know that Leap Year was formally adopted by Pope Gregory in 1582? It's also the day that Dwight D. Eisenhower declared his candidacy for a second term. We see February 29th as the Friday before the Ohio and Texas primaries -- won't you "Leap" on board the campaign today? Many thanks.
FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE JAMES BAKER ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Secretary of State James Baker has endorsed John McCain for president.
Secretary Baker released the following statement on his endorsement:
"I am proud today to endorse John McCain for President of the United States. Senator McCain is a great American leader, a true hero, a thoughtful and a dedicated Republican, and a person whom I greatly admire.
"I support John McCain because he has the critical leadership qualities, real-world experience, and resolute moral compass that our next president will need in order to responsibly address the daunting global and domestic challenges that lie ahead.
"John McCain offers the 'roll-up-your-sleeves, bottom-line approach' that Americans, and especially Texans, demand of their leaders.
"Texans also cotton to concise country sayings that make a strong point. So while we are here in my home state, let me add that John McCain has a lot more than just the hat ... he has the cattle to go with it.
"In short, ladies and gentlemen, John McCain has the vision, experience and know-how to provide strong leadership and guidance for our great nation. I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy to become the 44th President of the United States."
John McCain released the following statement on Secretary Baker's endorsement:
"Secretary Baker has a distinguished record of service to our country and our party. I look forward to his counsel and am honored to have his support."
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Wednesday, February 27, 2008
STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON SENATOR OBAMA'S REMARKS ON IRAQ IN LAST NIGHT'S DEBATE
"Where is the audacity of hope when it comes to backing the success of our troops all the way to victory in Iraq?" -- John McCainARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today issued the following statement by John McCain on Senator Barack Obama's remarks in last night's debate:
"In last night's Democratic debate, the American people saw two candidates arguing over how fast to retreat from Iraq at a time when military and political progress are undeniable to any objective observer. Today, thanks to the troop surge that Senators Clinton and Obama opposed, our soldiers have Al Qaeda in Iraq on the run. If Senators Clinton and Obama have their way, Al Qaeda in Iraq will be resurgent and given a new lease on life, putting U.S. forces back on the defensive.
"Last night, we also heard Senator Obama say that once he withdrew US forces from Iraq he would 'reserve the right' to act 'if Al Qaeda is forming a base in Iraq.' Is Senator Obama unaware that Al Qaeda is still present in Iraq, that our forces are successfully fighting them every day, and that his Iraq policy of withdrawal would embolden Al Qaeda and weaken our security?
"Senator Obama talks about the costs of the war in Iraq -- despite our increasing success -- but refuses to address the catastrophic costs that would result from precipitous withdrawal and defeat in Iraq. Surrender and defeat in Iraq will ultimately cost far more in lives and treasure than will continued success and achieving victory with honor.
"Thanks to the sacrifices of the brave men and women of our armed forces, sectarian violence is down, civilian and military casualties are down, and long-delayed political compromises are being reached. Yet, the Democratic presidential contenders deny progress and see only gloom and doom. Where is the audacity of hope when it comes to backing the success of our troops all the way to victory in Iraq? What we heard last night was the timidity of despair. Our allies deserve better, our soldiers deserve better, and so do the American people."
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Public Citizen On John McCain's Record Of Reform
"Regardless of how many lobbyists are working on his campaign or raising money for him, John McCain has fought for 14 long, hard years for reforms that seriously limit lobbyists' power ... He has fought for campaign finance reform, limits on gifts and travel from lobbyists, and extensive public disclosure of lobbyists' activities -- all of which limit the influence of lobbyists and the companies that hire lobbyists in Washington, D.C." -- Public Citizen
One Thing Overlooked In Flap Over McCain And Lobbyists: His Record On Reform
Public Citizen
Press Release
February 26, 2008
On many issues, Public Citizen disagrees with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). We won't itemize them here; suffice it to say that Sen. McCain got a 15 percent rating in Public Citizens most recent congressional voting scorecard.
On one issue -- good government -- we agree. Public Citizen has worked for 30 years on lobby and campaign finance reform. Until the mid-1990s, we suffered a number of defeats because incumbent members of Congress don't want limits on the money system on which they depend. The fight for good government reforms has been led by a few members of Congress -- Sens. McCain and Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.), Rep. Christopher Shays (D-Conn.), former Rep. Marty Meehan (D-Mass.) and a few others, including Sen. Barack Obama in 2006 and 2007. Without them, the recent laws would not have been enacted despite all the hard work of good government groups.
However, we are compelled to note something that has been lost in the recent criticism of Sen. McCain's association with lobbyists: Regardless of how many lobbyists are working on his campaign or raising money for him, John McCain fought for 14 long, hard years for reforms that seriously limit lobbyists power. He has fought for campaign finance reform, limits on gifts and travel from lobbyists, and extensive public disclosure of lobbyists' activities -- all of which limit the influence of lobbyists and the companies that hire lobbyists in Washington, D.C.
Consider that McCain:
· Joined mostly Democratic colleagues as one of the original co-sponsors of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, which increased disclosure of lobbying activities and expenses for organizations that lobby on their own behalf or hire outside lobbyists, and boosted penalties violating the act. He led the floor battle on this act.
· Pushed through the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2002. He started working on it with Sen. Feingold in 1996 to limit soft money -- unlimited contributions that corporations, unions and other organizations could donate to political parties to circumvent hard money limits on contributions to candidates. From the start, their efforts were opposed by large moneyed interests, incumbents in both parties and those who felt spending limits impinged on free political speech. As a result of this work, Sen. McCain was shunned by some in his party.
· Is a well-known foe of pork-barrel spending and earmarks, regularly highlighting the most wasteful expenditures item by item in one bill after another during Senate floor consideration, much to the consternation of many lobbyists.
· Called for an investigation into the proposed acquisition of Boeing air tankers and continued to press the matter. One Air Force employee, who negotiated a job with Boeing while negotiating the sale, went to prison.
· As chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in 2006, held hearings and issued a report uncovering many aspects of the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. Since then, Justice Department investigations have resulted in three members of Congress going to prison, three others indicted and more than a dozen placed under investigation. The information he uncovered was instrumental in bringing about the 2007 lobbying law.
· Promoted lobbying and ethics reform legislation in the 109th Congress.
In 2007, he supported sweeping lobbying and ethics reform legislation.
That law:
· Prohibits lobbyists from giving gifts or travel to lawmakers;
· Increases the civil penalty for violating the Lobbying Disclosure Act from $50,000 to $200,000 and imposes a five-year criminal penalty for violations;
· Requires quarterly lobbyist disclosure filings;
· Requires lobbyists to file information about their activities electronically, to be placed in a searchable database available to the public;
· Requires lobbyists to reveal when they bundle more than $15,000 semi-annually for any elected official, candidate or leadership political action committee, and disclose their own contributions; and
· Requires Senate, presidential and vice presidential candidates to pay charter rates for airfare when using non-commercial jets to travel.
Has agreed to accept public funding in the 2008 general presidential election if the Democratic nominee does also, and promises, if elected, to make reforms in the presidential public funding system a priority.
Curbing the influence of money in politics is a top priority for Public Citizen because it is the only way to ensure that the people's voice is heard in Washington. More needs to be done, including upgrading the presidential public funding system. We also must have public financing of congressional elections, as proposed by Sens. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), to restore democracy to the people. On this issue, Sen. McCain has not yet taken a position.
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Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison On John McCain
Excerpts From Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) On MSNBC Today
Sen. Hutchison: "I think Texans will love John McCain. He is a maverick. He is a war hero. Texas is a very pro-military state, very patriotic state. And I think that they will love John McCain, both in the primary and the general election."
Sen. Hutchison: "Well I think John McCain is the very most knowledgeable person that I have dealt with outside of the military on this issue. He called it right in the first place. I went to Iraq the first time with John McCain and he said then, we need more troops to stabilize the situation. I think, perhaps, had that happened when John McCain called for it four years ago, it would have been an easier process now. But now we're doing it. We are stabilizing the situation, and I think that Senator McCain will be able to show America, once we get into the general election, why it is important. We have not emboldened the terrorists by keeping our commitments in Iraq. What will embolden the terrorists is if we cut and run from Iraq and show weakness and let the terrorists take over. That would endanger America."
Sen. Hutchison: "I do want John McCain to win. ... And I think that we are going to have a real debate over tax cuts, over the security of our country, and I think John McCain will win."
Watch Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison On MSNBC's 'News Live' This Morning
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FORMER OHIO CONGRESSMAN ROB PORTMAN ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Ohio Congressman Rob Portman endorses John McCain for president.
"I am proud today to announce my support for Senator John McCain to be the next President of the United States," said Congressman Portman. "John McCain is a proven leader with a track record of breaking through partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C. and achieving results in the national interest. He has been an effective champion for fiscal responsibility and pro-growth economic policies. No one is a more committed advocate for our men and women in uniform, and no one understands better the threats America faces. John McCain is the right choice for Ohioans to keep our nation secure and to get our economy back on track."
John McCain thanked Congressman Portman, saying, "Rob has served the people of Ohio and our nation with distinction, I look forward to his counsel and am grateful for his support."
Former Congressman Portman, a Cincinnati native, represented Ohio's second district from 1993-2005. After leaving Congress Portman went on to serve as the United States Trade Representative, a position with the rank of Ambassador. From 2006-2007 Portman served as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. He is currently of counsel with the Cincinnati office of the law firm Squire, Sanders & Dempsey.
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SIX FORMER RNC CHAIRS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that six former Republican National Committee Chairmen, Senator Bill Brock, Ambassador Clayton Yeutter, Rich Bond, Jim Nicholson, Jim Gilmore and Ken Mehlman, have endorsed John McCain for president.
The campaign further announced that Ms. Sally Atwater, Council member of the Republican Women's Federal Forum and the wife of the late RNC Chairman Lee Atwater, has endorsed John McCain.
"John McCain is bringing our Party together around conservative principles on national security, fiscal responsibility and traditional values," said Ambassador Yeutter. "His experience, courage and character make him the only candidate ready to lead as commander in chief on day one. We must now unite the Party around our presumptive nominee, John McCain, and build toward victory in November."
Mr. Bond stated, "John McCain's conservative vision to keep America safe, prosperous and proud is uniting the Republican Party for victory in November. Now is the time to unite our Party behind our presumptive nominee, John McCain, and begin the great task of organizing to defeat the liberal Democrats and win a great victory for Republican values this fall."
Mr. Nicholson said, "John McCain offers the best chance we have to keep America safe and strong. There is no comparison."
John McCain thanked the former Party Chairs and Ms. Atwater, stating, "I admire these Republican leaders for their dedication, commitment and hard work on our Party's behalf, and I am proud to have their support. I look forward to drawing on their experience, knowledge and leadership as we continue to unite Republicans around conservative principles to defeat the Democrats and win a great victory in November."
RNC CHAIRS SUPPORTING JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
Senator Bill Brock served as RNC Chairman from 1977-1981. He served in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee, and further as U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary of Labor in the Reagan Administration.
Ambassador Clayton Yeutter served as RNC Chairman from 1991-1992. He previously served as U.S. Trade Representative from 1985-1989 and Secretary of Agriculture from 1989-1991.
Rich Bond served as RNC Chairman from 1992-1993. He previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the White House.
Jim Nicholson served as RNC Chairman from 1997-2001. He served as Secretary of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See in the Bush Administration.
Jim Gilmore served as RNC Chairman from 2001-2002. He previously served as Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Ken Mehlman served as RNC Chairman from 2005-2006. He was previously Campaign Manager for President Bush's 2004 re-election campaign and White House Political Director during President Bush's first term.
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David Brooks: "The Real McCain"
"Over the course of his career, McCain has tried to do the impossible. He has challenged the winds of the money gale. He has sometimes failed and fallen short. And there have always been critics who cherry-pick his compromises, ignore his larger efforts and accuse him of being a hypocrite. This is, of course, the gospel of the mediocre man: to ridicule somebody who tries something difficult on the grounds that the effort was not a total success. But any decent person who looks at the McCain record sees that while he has certainly faltered at times, he has also battled concentrated power more doggedly than any other legislator." -- David Brooks
The Real McCain
By David Brooks
The New York TimesFebruary 26, 2008
You wouldn't know it to look at them, but political consultants are as faddish as anyone else. And the current vogueish advice among the backroom set is: Go after your opponent's strengths. So in the first volley of what feels like the general election campaign, Barack Obama has attacked John McCain for being too close to lobbyists. His assault is part of this week's Democratic chorus: McCain isn't really the anti-special interest reformer he pretends to be. He's more tainted than his reputation suggests.
Well, anything is worth trying, I suppose, but there is the little problem of his record. McCain has fought one battle after another against lobbyists and special interests. And while I don't have space to describe all his tussles, or even the lesser ones like his fight with the agricultural lobby against sugar subsidies, I thought that, amidst all these charges, it might be worth noting some of the McCain highlights from the past dozen years.
In 1996, McCain was one of five senators, and the only Republican, to vote against the Telecommunications Act. He did it because he believed the act gave away too much to the telecommunications companies, and protected them from true competition. He noted that AT&T alone gave $780,000 to Republicans and $456,000 to Democrats in the year leading up to the vote.
In 1998, McCain championed anti-smoking legislation that faced furious opposition from the tobacco lobby. McCain guided the legislation through the Senate Commerce Committee on a 19-1 vote, but then the tobacco companies struck back. They hired 200 lobbyists and spent $40 million in advertising (three times as much as the Harry and Louise health care reform ads). Many of the ads attacked McCain by name, accusing him of becoming a big government liberal. After weeks of bitter debate, the bill died on the Senate floor.
In 2000, McCain ran for president and reiterated his longstanding opposition to ethanol subsidies. Though it crippled his chances in Iowa, he argued that ethanol was a wasteful giveaway. A recent study in the journal Science has shown that when you take all impacts into consideration, ethanol consumption increases greenhouse gas emissions compared with regular gasoline. Unlike, say, Barack Obama, McCain still opposes ethanol subsidies.
In 2002, McCain capped his long push for campaign finance reform by passing the McCain-Feingold Act. People can argue about the effectiveness of the act, but one thing is beyond dispute. It was a direct assault on lobbyist power, and earned McCain undying enmity among many important parts of the Republican coalition, who felt their soft money influence was being diminished.
In 2003, the Senate nearly passed the McCain-Lieberman Climate Stewardship Act. The act was opposed by the usual mix of energy, auto and mining companies. But moderate environmental groups were thrilled that McCain-Lieberman was able to attract more than 40 votes in the Senate.
In 2004, McCain launched a frontal assault on the leasing contract the Pentagon had signed with Boeing for aerial refueling tankers. McCain's investigation exposed billions of dollars of waste and layers of contracting irregularity.
In 2005, McCain led the Congressional investigation into the behavior of the lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The investigation was exceedingly unpleasant for Republicans, because it exposed shocking misbehavior by important conservative activists.
Over the past few years, McCain has stepped up his longstanding assault on earmarks. Every year, McCain goes to the Senate floor to ridicule the latest batch of earmarks, and every year his colleagues and the lobbyists fume. For years, McCain has proposed legislative remedies -- greater transparency, a 60-vote supermajority requirement -- that were brutally unpopular with many colleagues until, suddenly, now.
Over the course of his career, McCain has tried to do the impossible. He has challenged the winds of the money gale. He has sometimes failed and fallen short. And there have always been critics who cherry-pick his compromises, ignore his larger efforts and accuse him of being a hypocrite.
This is, of course, the gospel of the mediocre man: to ridicule somebody who tries something difficult on the grounds that the effort was not a total success. But any decent person who looks at the McCain record sees that while he has certainly faltered at times, he has also battled concentrated power more doggedly than any other legislator. If this is the record of a candidate with lobbyists on his campaign bus, then every candidate should have lobbyists on the bus.
And here's the larger point: We're going to have two extraordinary nominees for president this year. This could be one of the great general election campaigns in American history. The only thing that could ruin it is if the candidates become demagogues and hurl accusations at each other that are an insult to reality and common sense.
Maybe Obama can start this campaign over.
Read David Brooks' Column In The New York Times: "The Real McCain"
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The Associated Press: "Bank Lawyers Say McCain Loan Carefully Hewed To Election Laws"
"The bank does not now have, nor did it ever receive from (McCain's campaign) committee, a security interest in any certification of matching funds ... Any finding or determination to the contrary would be wholly inconsistent with the language of the loan documents, the intent and understanding of the parties and basic principles of banking, security and uniform commercial code law." -- Attorneys For Fidelity & Trust
Bank Lawyers Say McCain Loan Carefully Hewed To Election Laws
By Jim Kuhnhenn
The Associated Press
February 25, 2008
Lawyers for the bank that provided a crucial $4 million line of credit to John McCain's campaign late last year said Monday that the loan agreement was carefully drafted to give McCain the opportunity to withdraw from public financing during the primary elections.
In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, the outside counsel for Fidelity & Trust Bank said the loan terms specifically excluded from the collateral any potential share of public matching funds the Arizona senator was entitled to receive.
The letter, from lawyers Matthew S. Bergman and Scott E. Thomas to McCain lawyer Trevor Potter, supports McCain's stance against claims that his withdrawal from public financing is in jeopardy.
The bank's description of the loan came on the same day the Democratic Party filed a complaint against McCain, calling on campaign finance regulators to investigate whether the likely Republican presidential nominee can legally bypass public financing for the primary and the strict spending limits that come with it. The Federal Election Commission also has asked McCain to explain the loan terms.
Staying in the public financing system could be devastating for McCain because he would have to live within spending limits that he is already on the verge of surpassing.
The Federal Election Commission approved, or certified, McCain to receive up to $5.8 million in public matching funds. McCain did not collect any of the money. To withdraw once such funds have been certified, a candidate must not have received any of the money nor encumbered it as collateral for a loan.
"The bank does not now have, nor did it ever receive from (McCain's campaign) committee, a security interest in any certification of matching funds," Bergman and Thomas wrote. "Any finding or determination to the contrary would be wholly inconsistent with the language of the loan documents, the intent and understanding of the parties and basic principles of banking, security and uniform commercial code law."
The loan documents specifically state that the collateral did not include McCain's right to such the public funds. But the agreement with Fidelity & Trust Bank of Bethesda, Md., required him to reapply for matching funds if he withdrew from public financing and lost early primary contests.
"It is our understanding that, to date, none of those events have occurred," the bank lawyers wrote.
But FEC Chairman David Mason, in a letter to McCain last week, said the senator must show that he did not use the promise of future public funds to help secure the loan and asked McCain to explain three specific provisions in the loan agreement.
Mason also said McCain must receive approval from four members of the six-member commission before withdrawing from the system.
Such approval is doubtful in the short term because the commission has four vacancies and cannot convene a quorum.
The DNC's complaint faces a similar obstacle.
Upon receiving a complaint, FEC staffers must notify the target and request a response. They then make a confidential recommendation to the commissioners whether to continue with a full investigation or whether to dismiss the complaint. Without a quorum, the FEC will be unable to make that determination.
The vacancies have not been filled because of a partisan dispute in the Senate. Many Democrats oppose nominee Hans von Spakovsky, a former Justice Department official, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has proposed holding separate, simple majority votes on each nominee. Republicans want all FEC nominees voted on as a package.
McCain and his lawyer, Potter, a former FEC chairman, have argued that McCain is entitled to turn down the primary matching funds in the same manner that Democratic presidential candidates Richard Gephardt, John Kerry and Howard Dean did in the 2004 primaries. Dean is now chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
McCain, campaigning in Ohio on Monday, said he hadn't considered the financial implications of staying in the public financing system.
"I haven't even contemplated it because we're doing exactly what Howard Dean did in a previous election and what the FEC ruled in the case of Congressman Gephardt," he said. "They said they were going to take matching funds and then they withdrew."
In a teleconference with reporters Sunday, DNC general counsel Joe Sandler said McCain's circumstances are different because of the terms of his loan.
Read The Associated Press: "Bank Lawyers Say McCain Loan Carefully Hewed To Election Laws"
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MICHIGAN'S 4th DISTRICT SUPPORTS JOHN MCCAIN
U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that elected officials from Michigan's 4th Congressional District, led by Congressman Dave Camp, have endorsed John McCain for president.
"In a choice between Senator McCain and either Senators Clinton or Obama, I am confident the American people will choose Senator McCain," said Congressman Dave Camp. "John McCain believes, as do most Americans, in the need to reduce taxes, reduce federal spending and, most importantly, in winning the war against Islamic extremism. John McCain is a tenacious campaigner who can carry Michigan and win the White House."
John McCain thanked Congressman Camp and the district supporters, saying, "I am grateful for Dave's support and for the support of the elected officials in Michigan's 4th District. I look forward to working with them to address the issues that are important to Michigan families."
ELECTED OFFICIALS FROM MICHIGAN'S 4th DISTRICT FOR JOHN MCCAIN
Congressman Dave Camp
Carolyn Curtin, 4th Congressional District GOP Chairman
State Senator Jason Allen
State Senator Roger Kahn
State Senator Tony Stamas
State Representative Bill Caul
State Representative Ken Horn
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STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON THE PASSING OF WILLIAM F. BUCKLEY JR.
U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today issued the following statement by John McCain on the passing of William F. Buckley Jr.:
"I am profoundly saddened to hear of the passing of William F. Buckley Jr., and offer my deepest condolences to the Buckley family. Bill had many friends, including my parents, who he visited when they were stationed at the U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii. My father and mother very much admired him and so did their son.
"With Bill's passing, freedom has lost one of its greatest defenders. Bill was a great American who helped change the course of history. When conservatism was a lonely cause, he bravely raised the standard of liberty and led the charge to renew the principles and values that are the foundation of our great country. A man of tremendous vision and big ideas, he founded the National Review in 1955 and through its pages and his other endeavors, as a lecturer, commentator, debater and author of dozens of books, inspired many and advanced an intellectual rigor that transformed American politics. Bill was an American giant who shall be missed."
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Morning News Roundup
Rollercoaster-like presidential primaries near conclusion
The Hill - Washington,DC,USA
Who Should Be John McCain's Vice Presidential Choice?
FOXNews - USA
The first, Mitt Romney. Good business guy who can raise money and has name recognition. The governor ran a good campaign. He's smart, honest. ...
From Straight Talk Express to K Street Express: McCain implodes
BTC News - USA
Illegal Immigration Largely a Non-Factor in Texas Primary
ShortNews.com - Regensburg,Germany
A Texas Republican pollster said, "Immigration is a dud issue. Immigration baiters like Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani went to the showers early."
Mormons for Obama? Hillary? Paul?
Salt Lake Tribune - United States
By Thomas Burr AP WASHINGTON - With Mitt Romney out of the race, Dennis Wendt has a suggestion for where the Mormon vote should gravitate: Barack Obama. ...
Huckabee calls for debate, 'fair tax'
Cincinnati Enquirer - Cincinnati,OH,USA
Obama Ahead of McCain, Huckabee in US
Angus Reid Global Monitor - Vancouver,BC,Canada
McCain shouldn't boast about his valor
Arizona Republic - Phoenix,AZ,USA
Rudy Giuliani kept reliving 9/11 and lost in Florida. McCain keeps reliving the Vietnam War. Not a good strategy when his Democratic opponent is younger, ...
Huckabee for Senate?
Power Line - Minneapolis,MN,USA
Huckabee presses for debate with McCain, raises FEC issue
CNN Political Ticker - USA(CNN) — Mike Huckabee made clear Tuesday he's not ready to concede the Republican presidential race to John McCain. Speaking to reporters in Cleveland, ...
Mike Huckabee Endorses Colorado Personhood Amendment to Stop Abortions
LifeNews.com - Helena,MT,USA
by Steven Ertelt Denver, CO (LifeNews.com) -- Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has issued his support for a personhood amendment in Colorado ...
Huckabee thinks eggs' rights trump women's
Feministing - New York,NY,USA
Mike Huckabee has endorsed Colorado's "Human Life Amendment," which defines a fertilized egg as a person. "This proposed constitutional amendment will ...
Huckabee: He Is the Egg-Man
Huffington Post - New York,NY,USA
If Mike Huckabee and a 20-year-old Colorado woman get their way, a Colorado constitutional amendment would guarantee that every fertilized egg is a person. ...
It’s an Election, Not a Coronation
Dissident Voice - Santa Rosa,CA,USA
The Democrats could have had it all — a peace candidate and an easy win against a weakened Republican candidate. Instead, they will again blame Nader, ...
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McCain News Roundup
Dems vs. McCain on campaign financing
CNN - USA
John McCain, who wants to withdraw his intention to ask for public election funding. Howard Dean says McCain has been trying to dodge campaign finance laws. ...
Obama slammed by speakers at McCain rally
Los Angeles Times - CA,USA
John McCain said of Bill Cunningham's comments criticizing Sen. Barack Obama. McCain says he will 'absolutely repudiate' comments by an introductory speaker ...
The lobbyist at the center of impropriety allegations targeting ...
Jewish Telegraphic Agency - New York,NY,USA
Vicki Iseman was named last week by The New York Times as a lobbyist who allegedly was key in persuading the US senator from Arizona to intercede with ...
Fourth Time For Connecticut Native Ralph Nader
Hartford Courant - United States
Nader's tongue was in mid-season form when he ripped John McCain, Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton, along with Republican Mitt Romney, who was still ...
McCain hits back in campaign finance row
AFP - WASHINGTON (AFP) — Aides to Republican John McCain Tuesday accused the Democrats of playing election games in a legal row over his attempts to back out of ...
Poll: Obama beats McCain, McCain beats Clinton
Bizjournals.com - Charlotte,NC,USA
A statewide poll conducted by Riley Research Associates shows that Oregon voters would choose Democrat Barack Obama over Republican John McCain, ...
Obama slammed by speakers at McCain rally
Los Angeles Times - CA,USA... a speaker who introduced presidential candidate John McCain at a rally here today accused Barack Obama of sympathizing with "world leaders who want to ...
McCain May Target Upper Midwest and Hispanic Voters for Fall
U.S. News & World Report - Washington,DC,USA
While the Democrats fight among themselves over their presidential nomination, strategists for presumptive Republican nominee John McCain are analyzing the ...
McCain in His Comfort Zone, Finance Issues Loom Ahead
ABC News - USA
John McCain was back in his comfort zone. The day began with a town hall-style event in front of a crowd of several hundred supporters packed into the ...
McCain sticks to contrarian economic stance
Reuters - USA
CLEVELAND - John McCain has a curious recipe for success in Ohio: tell voters their jobs aren’t coming back, and embrace the free trade pacts that are ...
McCain manages to turn poison into wine
Independent - London,England,UK
By David Usborne in New York John McCain appeared to have turned the poison of a newspaper article inferring improper and possibly even romantic ties with a ...
Analysis: McCain Loses Leverage
The Associated Press - John McCain might well ride out his standoff with federal regulators over his withdrawal from public financing for the primaries. The contretemps, however ...
McCain to Indy: Iraq surge succeeding
Indianapolis Star - United States
By Bill Ruthhart Presidential hopeful John McCain, on a campaign stop in Indianapolis this morning, said the US has succeeded in its war in Iraq, ...
McCain says untroubled by campaign-finance letter
Reuters - USA
By Jason Szep INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) - Republican presidential hopeful John McCain said on Friday he was not concerned over the possibility of severe ...
Poll: Obama, McCain Ahead in NC
The Associated Press - ___ THE NUMBERS Barack Obama, 45 percent Hillary Rodham Clinton, 31 percent ___ John McCain, 62 percent Mike Huckabee, 24 percent ___ OF INTEREST: An Elon ...
The McCain Bubble
Atlantic Online - USAUnless, that is, you're John McCain. If you're John McCain you can make an obviously false statement like claiming you've "never done favors for special ...
'Times' Story About McCain Is Prime Fodder for Editorial Cartoonists
Editor & Publisher - USA... story alleging a possible past relationship between married Republican presidential candidate John McCain and a female lobbyist 31 years his junior. ...
McCain Defends Lobbyist Ties
The Associated Press - John McCain said Friday that while lobbyists serve as close advisers to his presidential campaign, they are honorable and he is not influenced by corruption ...
Today on the Presidential Campaign Trail
The Associated Press - John McCain said Friday that while lobbyists serve as close advisers to his presidential campaign, they are honorable and he is not influenced by corruption ...
'Special Report' Panel on the NY Times' Article on John McCain and ...
FOXNews - USA
JOHN MCCAIN, (R) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Obviously, I'm very disappointed in the article. It's not true. At no time have I ever done anything that would ...
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Tuesday, February 26, 2008
ADDITIONAL RNC MEMBERS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that an additional four Republican National Committee Members have endorsed John McCain for president.
"Support for Senator McCain among Republican National Committee Members continues to grow," said RNC Vice Chairman Chuck Yob. "John McCain will unite our party and ensure that Republicans keep control of the White House in November."
John McCain thanked the RNC members, saying, "I am proud of our team of Republican Party leaders throughout the United States. I am grateful for the support of these four RNC members and look forward to working with them towards victory in November."
Members of the Republican National Committee are automatically seated as delegates at the Republican National Convention.
ADDITIONAL RNC MEMBERS FOR MCCAIN
Robert Kabel, District of Columbia
Tony Parker, District of Columbia
Betsy Werronen, District of Columbia
George Schiavone, Vermont
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Morning News Roundup
DNC Files Suit Against McCain for Spending Limits
(CNSNews.com) - The Democratic National Committee filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Monday claiming that Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) violated spending limits associated with receiving matching public campaign funds. Political experts, however, noted that candidates who receive public funds are at a disadvantage due to the large sums spent in campaign politics
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200802/POL20080226a.html
McCain Camp Says He Can Avoid Money Caps
WASHINGTON -- Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign told federal regulators Monday that he does not need their approval to withdraw from the public finance system for the primaries.
http://www.newsmax.com/politics/mccain_fec/2008/02/25/75491.html
Bank Explains Terms of McCain Loan
WASHINGTON -- Lawyers for the bank that provided a crucial $4 million line of credit to John McCain's campaign late last year said Monday that the loan agreement was carefully drafted to give McCain the opportunity to withdraw from public financing during the primary elections.
http://www.newsmax.com/politics/mccain_fec/2008/02/25/75471.html
McCain Fights Anti-Iraq Onslaught
Campaigning in Ohio on Monday, John McCain continued to try to shore up his credentials as the tough on terror candidate, earning a 30-second ovation at a town hall outside Cleveland for promising to stand strong against Al Qaeda.
http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/02/25/mccain-fights-powerful-anti-iraq-onslaught/
Obama's Real Experience: His Candidacy
The best evidence of Obama’s readiness to lead the nation is the ability with which he has run for president. After all, what is more difficult, complicated, or challenging than getting elected president? What other life experience better illustrates one’s qualification to hold the office than a manifest skill in seeking it. For anyone who has ever been elected president, the race that sent them to the White House was the single most important event in their lives and dwarfs any other experience they might have had before running.
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/DickMorrisandEileenMcGann/2008/02/26/
obamas_real_experience_his_candidacy
McCain: I Must Convince Americans on Iraq or I Lose … or Not
ROCKY RIVER, Ohio — John McCain said Monday that to win the White House he must convince a war-weary country that U.S. policy in Iraq is succeeding. If he can’t, “then I lose. I lose,” the Republican said.
http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/02/25/mccain-i-must-convince-americans-on-iraq-or-i-lose-or-not/
McCain retracts comment he could lose on Iraq
CINCINNATI (Reuters) - Republican presidential front-runner John McCain on Monday retracted his earlier statement he would lose the November election if he did not convince Americans they were winning the war in Iraq.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080226/pl_nm/usa_politics_mccain_iraq_dc
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Monday, February 25, 2008
Why McCain Shouldn’t Want Huckabee on the Ticket
The GOP field is down to two candidates. The presumptive winner, John McCain, enjoys only lukewarm support among conservatives. The other candidate, Mike Huckabee, has great support among conservatives—or so the press reports. Thus, it seems only natural for McCain to be eyeing Huckabee as a potential running mate. But Huckabee is not the solution to McCain’s conservative problem.
http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/JeffreyAnderson/2008/02/25/why_mccain_shouldn%e2%80%99t_want_huckabee_on_the_ticket
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Mitt News
Mitt to Un-Quit?
Radar Online - New York,NY,USA
According to Josh Romney, the square-jawed son of erstwhile presidential candidate Mitt Romney, his father's bid to be the first Mormon president might not ...
Romney Son Mulls Congress Run
Wall Street Journal - USA
Mitt Romney may have failed in his bid for the White House but the effort appears to have sparked other political ambitions in the family. ...
Romney may return?
Wizbang - Washington,DC,USA
Mitt Romney was not my first choice for a presidential candidate, but he came third after Duncan Hunter and Fred Thompson. He's far more conservative than ...
Josh Romney Mulling Congressional Bid
FOXNews - USA
by FOXNews.com Josh Romney, the son of former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, may take his own shot at politics, possibly running for ...
Romney's out, but son Josh may run for Congress in Utah
Salt Lake Tribune - United States
Josh Romney, son of former presidential contender Mitt Romney, says he's been approached about running for Congress against incumbent Democratic Rep. ...
Romney Betrayed Us, GOP Activists in Bay State Say
Crosswalk.com - Chesterfield,VA,USA
Mitt Romney is still felt on their state party - and they are not happy about it. "He was missing for two years as governor," Holly Robichaud, ...
Josh Romney mulling politics
Deseret News - Salt Lake City,UT,USA
Of course, there's always the possibility that Mitt Romney may end up on the ballot as a vice presidential candidate — or even, some suggest, ...
Breaking News: Mitt Romney to rejoin GOP race?
Los Angeles Times - CA,USA
Mitt Romney's five sons, says it's "possible" his father may rejoin the race for the White House, either as a vice presidential candidate or as the ...
The Reason Mitt Lost
The Conservative Voice - Kernersville,NC,USA
This is why I’m so offended at the suggestion of Dan Gilgoff in USA Today that the reason that Mitt Romney lost is because we Evangelicals just couldn’t ...
Former Mitt supporters spread the love among varied presidential ...
Salt Lake Tribune - United States
By Thomas Burr Posted: 5:43 PM- WASHINGTON - With Mitt Romney out of the race, Dennis Wendt has a suggestion for where the Mormon vote should gravitate: ...
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McCain, Huckabee News
Mccain Fights Powerful Anti-Iraq Onslaught
FOXNews - USA
by FOXNews.com Campaigning in Ohio on Monday, John McCain continued to try to shore up his credentials as the tough on terror candidate, earning a 30-second ...
Is Huckabee Waiting for God to Smite John McCain?
AlterNet - San Francisco,CA,USA
He's waiting for God to smite John McCain dead? Don't laugh. It could be working. I got to tell you, I'm worried about the good Senator from Arizona. ...
Democrats ask FEC to investigate McCain for campaign finance ...
Guardian Unlimited - UK
The Democratic party today asked federal election authorities to investigate presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain for campaign finance ...
Newt Gingrich on McCain-New York Times Controversy
FOXNews - USA
OK, Mr. Speaker, we were distressed — I think that's the best word — to see John McCain get hammered by The New York Times. And The New York Times so feebly ...
McCain and the Times: The Real Questions
Washington Post - United States
John McCain. Many readers of last week's New York Times article about McCain, including me, read that article as suggesting that Sen. ...
McCain Says He Could Lose Over War Issue
The Associated Press - ROCKY RIVER, Ohio (AP) — John McCain said Monday that to win the White House he must convince a war-weary country that US policy in Iraq is succeeding. ...
Huckabee seeks to set up McCain roadblock in Texas
Dallas Morning News - Dallas,TX,USA... good showing in Texas for Mike Huckabee, who wants the March 4 primary to broadcast that not all Republicans are ready to back frontrunner John McCain. ...
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GOP Freshman Faces Test — Too Conservative or Just Right for Michigan Voters?
The decision by Democratic Party strategists to heavily target freshman Republican Rep. Tim Walberg as too conservative for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District has its roots in the 2006 campaign that sent Walberg to Congress. Walberg won that year’s Republican nomination in an August primary by defeating one-term GOP moderate incumbent Joe Schwarz after an ideologically charged campaign — one in which the political action committee for the Club for Growth, a conservative organization that endorsed Walberg, waged a vigorous independent expenditure campaign against Schwarz.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002675937
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News Round Up
McCain says he could lose over war issue
John McCain said Monday that to win the White House he must convince a war-weary country that U.S. policy in Iraq is succeeding. If he can't, "then I lose. I lose," the Republican said.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080225/ap_on_el_pr/mccain
Anti-War Groups Seek To Make War Costs a Campaign Issue
Anti-war groups announced Monday that they will kick off a campaign to tie the costs of the war in Iraq with domestic economic issues in a bid to build opposition to the president’s war policy before the November election.
In coming months, the groups plan to spend more than $20 million on grass-roots efforts and advertising targeting Republicans who have supported President Bush’s war policy and to make the cost of the war a central issue.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=cqmidday-000002676117
Democrats focus on war costs to defeat McCain
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic grass roots organizations on Monday launched a $20 million campaign to defeat Republican John McCain in the 2008 U.S. presidential election by focusing their attention on rising costs of the Iraq war.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080225/pl_nm/usa_politics_iraq_dc
UK Conservatives Not Strongly Behind McCain
London (CNSNews.com) - Although Sen. John McCain appears to have sewn up the Republican nomination for president, experts here say the Arizona Republican still has not been enthusiastically embraced by many British conservatives.
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=/ForeignBureaus/archive/200802/FOR20080225b.html
Romney Betrayed Us, GOP Activists in Bay State Say
(CNSNews.com) - His presidential campaign is over, but for many GOP stalwarts in Massachusetts, the influence of former Gov. Mitt Romney is still felt on their state party - and they are not happy about it.
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200802/POL20080225b.html
John McCain and the Iraq War
The foremost reason given by supporters of John McCain for why he should be president is that McCain is best qualified to lead the country during this "time of war." Indeed, fighting and winning the Iraq War is the raison d'etre of McCain's presidential campaign. It was the main theme of his campaign announcement speech in April 2007, and it was his most compelling talking point during the Republican presidential debates.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/02/john_mccain_and_the_iraq_war.html
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News Round Up
Voting early next time? Not so fast
Chicago Daily Herald - Chicago,IL,USA
This year, both Democrat John Edwards and Republican Rudy Giuliani dropped out of the race for president on Jan. 30, the day before early voting closed in ...
Giuliani Ends Race With $9 Million
NewsMax.com - West Palm Beach,FL,USA
Rudy Giuliani spent nearly $7 million in January on a failed Florida-based presidential strategy, but ended the month and his campaign with nearly $9 ...
Huckabee 'welcomes' Nader
Pine Bluff Commercial - Pine Bluff,AR,USA
Perry supported Rudy Giuliani. And Giuliani ended up dropping out. Now he is supporting John McCain. Maybe he will do for John McCain what he did for Rudy ...
Gov. Rick Perry publicly urges Huckabee to withdraw
Dallas Morning News - Dallas,TX,USA
Mr. Huckabee, noting Mr. Perry initially supported Rudy Giuliani in the Republican contest before backing Mr. McCain, said Saturday, "Rick has made his ...
Huckabee still best choice among candidates
Clarksville Leaf Chronicle - Clarksville,TN,USA
And that candidate is the former governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee. I understand he will need divine intervention, but it ain't over yet.
What you need to know about Mike Huckabee
Dallas Morning News - Dallas,TX,USA
Mike Huckabee was born in 1955 in Hope, Ark., the town made famous as the birthplace of former President Bill Clinton. • Mr. Huckabee plays bass for a rock ...
Huckabee spoofs campaign on 'SNL'
United Press International - USA
(UPI) -- Mike Huckabee, the runner-up for the Republican US presidential nomination, appeared on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," spoofing his diehard ...
Huckabee adds to his TV repertoire
Reuters - USA
Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee, far behind in his bid for his party’s nomination, may be in contention for another job — the king of ...
Part One: The Republicans
Trinidad & Tobago Express - Port-of-Spain,Trinidad and TobagoMike Huckabee, 53, the guitar-playing ex-Southern Baptist minister and ex-governor-from "a place called Hope, in Arkansas" (sound familiar? ...
John McCain's bounce after newspaper affair
Times Online - UK
John McCain's campaign sought to read the funeral rites yesterday over newspaper allegations that he had an improper — even romantic — association with ...
DNC To File FEC Complaint Over Over McCain Funding Controversy
CBS News - New York,NY,USA
John McCain's (R-Ariz.) attempt to withdraw from the presidential matching-fund system. McCain wants to exit from the matching-fund system in order to get ...
New Poll Puts Obama Ahead of McCain as Clinton Claims to Be Better ...
FOXNews - USA
The polls shows Obama ahead of Republcian nominee John McCain by a substantial margin, 53-36. A head-to-head match between McCain and Hillary Clinton shows ...
John McCain `Does No Favors' for Lobbyists, Adviser Black Says
Bloomberg - USA
(Bloomberg) -- A senior adviser to John McCain today defended the Arizona senator against a newspaper report suggesting the likely Republican ...
McCain Wins 20 GOP Delegates
The Associated Press - John McCain, who has vowed to help resolve Washington's complicated relationship with the US Caribbean territory. The at-large delegates each will cast one ...
Obama makes better commander than McCain, Clinton
Newsday - Long Island,NY,USA
John McCain , with all his heroic service and horrific suffering for his country, would likely be a diaster of a commander-in-chief. ...
Mitt Romney was a very strong candidate
Visalia Times-Delta - Visalia,CA,USA
I shed tears for America when Mitt Romney suspended his presidential campaign. With 37 percent of Americans saying it would be difficult for them to vote ...
Huckabee meets with James Dobson; vies for Romney's delegates
KUAR - Little Rock,AR,USA...
James Dobson on Friday as the former Arkansas governor vied to pick up the Colorado delegates pledged to Mitt Romney, who dropped out of the race. ...
Romney's run and evangelical opposition
Salt Lake Tribune - United States
I agree that Mitt Romney was too guarded in his campaign. He also should not have "pandered" the evangelical vote as much as he did. ...
McCain tries to show he's right-minded
Indianapolis Star - United States
John McCain mentioned his anti-abortion stance, his desire to cut taxes and his connection to Ronald Reagan. The messages made sense. ...
US has more trust in Obama than Clinton, McCain: Survey
Times of India - India... hopeful Barack Obama as more appealing, trustworthy, and influential than party rival Hillary Clinton and Republican frontrunner John McCain. ...
Without a prayer, what's Huckabee's next move?
Houston Chronicle - United States
Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, would have to win virtually every delegate available to overtake Republican front-runner John McCain. ...
McCain dodges bullet, faces fiscal bombshell
San Francisco Chronicle - CA, USA
Another way to say it is this: If this was a referendum on John McCain versus the New York Times, the New York Times clearly lost." No candidate in the race ...
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Sunday, February 24, 2008
Democrats seek FEC probe of McCain
WASHINGTON - The national Democratic party wants campaign finance regulators to investigate whether Sen. John McCain would violate money-in-politics laws by withdrawing from the primary election's public finance system.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080225/ap_on_el_pr/mccain_fec
David Brooks On John McCain's Record On Lobbying Reform
"John McCain has a record for 23 years. Every year he goes to the floor of the Senate and makes fun of the earmarks that lobbyists have produced and his colleagues take a little piece of skin out of his back for ridiculing them. He tackled Jack Abramoff even though it made the Republican Party very uncomfortable. He tackled Boeing. " -- David Brooks
Excerpts: David Brooks On "Meet The Press"
Brooks: "Obama has a fine record on ethics. But John McCain has a record for 23 years. Every year he goes to the floor of the Senate and makes fun of the earmarks that lobbyists have produced and his colleagues take a little piece of skin out of his back for ridiculing them. He tackled Jack Abramoff even though it made the Republican Party very uncomfortable. He tackled Boeing. He was chairman of the Commerce Committee. Suppose he did write these letters for Paxson, which he may have, I don't understand the case. The Commerce Committee is one of the most lobbied committees on Capitol Hill."
Brooks: "I would hate to think that Obama is going to cherry-pick a few things and not look at the whole record. It seems to me McCain has a pretty good case on this issue as someone who has been pretty tough on lobbyists over the course of his career."
Watch Excerpts From Davis Brooks On Meet The Press Today
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McCain News Roundup
Former Paxson Exec Denies McCain Meeting
The Associated Press - WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Paxson Communications president said Saturday he never met with John McCain about the Arizona senator writing letters to the ...
McCain’s denials start to unravel in tale of the blonde lobbyist
Times Online - UK
If anything was going to derail John McCain’s White House bid, it was the fear that he was too old to be president, not the likelihood of being embroiled in ...
'NYT' Weighs in on McCain Bombshell
Editor & Publisher - USA
John McCain/lobbyist story since yesterday but many have wondered: What would the paper's public editor have to say? Now we know. ...
What That McCain Article Didn’t Say
New York Times - United States
By CLARK HOYT BILL KELLER, the executive editor of The Times, said the article about John McCain that appeared in Thursday’s paper was about a man nearly ...
McCain’s Age May Figure in Choice of a Running Mate
New York Times - United States
John McCain, 71, is hoping to become the oldest candidate ever elected to a first term in the White House. The latest political news from around the nation. ...
McCain's Campaign Finance Trap
ABC News - USA
John McCain wants to forego public financing, but after requesting it last year he may now not be allowed to opt out. Last fall, when John McCain's campaign ...
Saipan GOP Delegates Pick McCain
The Associated Press - John McCain, although they won't be able to vote for him in November. Some of the delegates elected at a party convention Saturday said they're convinced ...
'Times' Article on McCain Stirs Debate
NPR - USA
John McCain, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination. by David Folkenflik All Things Considered, February 21, 2008 · Thursday's ...
McCain, Obama trade fire over Cuba
Kansas City Star - MO,USA...
Obama's offer to meet face to face with Fidel Castro's successor is "dangerously naive," Republican presidential candidate John McCain said Friday, ...
NY Times criticized for story on McCain
San Francisco Chronicle - CA, USA
That combustible combination guaranteed that the surfacing of a long-rumored New York Times story about John McCain and a Washington lobbyist, Vicki Iseman, ...
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Saturday, February 23, 2008
More endorsements for McCain... and his 2/19 election eve talk
We figure you're getting about as tired of reading them as we are of posting them
FORMER COLORADO GOVERNOR BILL OWENS AND FORMER TENNESSEE GOVERNOR WINFIELD DUNN ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
FORMER FBI DIRECTOR LOUIS FREEH ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
MISSOURI GOVERNOR MATT BLUNT ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
2/19/08 U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the following remarks by John McCain as prepared for delivery tonight in Columbus, Ohio:
Thank you, my friends, for your support and dedication to our campaign. And thank you, Wisconsin, for bringing us to the point when even a superstitious naval aviator can claim with confidence and humility that I will be our party's nominee for President. I promise you, I will wage a campaign with determination, passion and the right ideas for strengthening our country that prove worthy of the honor and responsibility you have given me.
I, again, want to commend Governor Huckabee, who has shown impressive grit and passion himself, and whom, though he remains my opponent, I have come to admire very much. And, of course, I want to thank my wife, Cindy, and my daughter, Meghan, who are here tonight, and the rest of my family for their indispensable love and encouragement.
My friends, we have traveled a great distance together already in this campaign, and overcome more than a few obstacles. But as I said last week, now comes the hard part and, for America, the bigger decision. Will we make the right changes to restore the people's trust in their government and meet the great challenges of our time with wisdom, and with faith in the values and ability of Americans for whom no challenge is greater than their resolve, courage and patriotism? Or will we heed appeals for change that ignore the lessons of history, and lack confidence in the intelligence and ideals of free people?
I will fight every moment of every day in this campaign to make sure Americans are not deceived by an eloquent but empty call for change that promises no more than a holiday from history and a return to the false promises and failed policies of a tired philosophy that trusts in government more than people. Our purpose is to keep this blessed country free, safe, prosperous and proud. And the changes we offer to the institutions and policies of government will reflect and rely upon the strength, industry, aspirations and decency of the people we serve.
We live in a world of change, some of which holds great promise for us and all mankind and some of which poses great peril. Today, political change in Pakistan is occurring that might affect our relationship with a nuclear armed nation that is indispensable to our success in combating al Qaeda in Afghanistan and elsewhere. An old enemy of American interests and ideals is leaving the world stage, and we can glimpse the hope that freedom might someday come to the people of Cuba. A self-important bully in Venezuela threatens to cut off oil shipments to our country at a time of sky-rocketing gas prices. Each event poses a challenge and an opportunity. Will the next President have the experience, the judgment experience informs, and the strength of purpose to respond to each of these developments in ways that strengthen our security and advance the global progress of our ideals? Or will we risk the confused leadership of an inexperienced candidate who once suggested invading our ally, Pakistan, and sitting down without pre-conditions or clear purpose with enemies who support terrorists and are intent on destabilizing the world by acquiring nuclear weapons?
The most important obligation of the next President is to protect Americans from the threat posed by violent extremists who despise us, our values and modernity itself. They are moral monsters, but they are also a disciplined, dedicated movement driven by an apocalyptic zeal, which celebrates murder, has access to science, technology and mass communications, and is determined to acquire and use against us weapons of mass destruction. The institutions and doctrines we relied on in the Cold War are no longer adequate to protect us in a struggle where suicide bombers might obtain the world's most terrifying weapons.
If we are to succeed, we must rethink and rebuild the structure and mission of our military; the capabilities of our intelligence and law enforcement agencies; the purposes of our alliances; the reach and scope of our diplomacy; the capacity of all branches of government to defend us. We need to marshal all elements of American power: our military, economy, investment, trade and technology and our moral credibility to win the war against Islamic extremists and help the majority of Muslims, who believe in progress and peace, win the struggle for the soul of Islam.
The challenges and opportunities of the global economy require us to change some old habits of our government as well. But we will fight for the right changes; changes that understand our strengths and rely on the common sense and values of the American people. We will campaign:
to balance the federal budget not with smoke and mirrors, but by encouraging economic growth and preventing government from spending your money on things it shouldn't; to hold it accountable for the money it does spend on services that only government can provide in ways that don't fail and embarrass you;
to save Social Security and Medicare on our watch without the tricks, lies and posturing that have failed us for too long while the problem became harder to solve;
to make our tax code simpler, fairer, flatter, more pro-growth and pro-jobs;
to reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil with an energy policy that encourages American industry and technology to make our country safer, cleaner and more prosperous by leading the world in the use, development and discovery of alternative sources of energy;
to open new markets to American goods and services, create more and better jobs for the American worker and overhaul unemployment insurance and our redundant and outmoded programs for assisting workers who have lost a job that's not coming back to find a job that won't go away;
to help Americans without health insurance acquire it without bankrupting the country, and ruining the quality of American health care that is the envy of the world;
to make our public schools more accountable to parents and better able to meet the critical responsibility they have to prepare our children for the challenges they'll face in the world they'll lead.
I'm not the youngest candidate. But I am the most experienced. I know what our military can do, what it can do better, and what it should not do. I know how Congress works, and how to make it work for the country and not just the re-election of its members. I know how the world works. I know the good and the evil in it. I know how to work with leaders who share our dreams of a freer, safer and more prosperous world, and how to stand up to those who don't. And I know who I am and what I want to do.
I don't seek the office out of a sense of entitlement. I owe America more than she has ever owed me. I have been an imperfect servant of my country for many years. I have never lived a day, in good times or bad, that I haven't been proud of the privilege. Don't tell me what we can't do. Don't tell me we can't make our country stronger and the world safer. We can. We must. And when I'm President we will.
Thank you, and God bless you.
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