Charles Keating is an American businessman, former politician and banker who was convicted of several financial crimes in the early 1990s. A group of five senators, known as the "Keating Five," all recipients of contributions from Keating, allegedly interfered with the investigation. The Senate Ethics Committee found three of them guilty of "inappropriate behavior"NYT1: 5 Senators Struggle to Avoid Keating Inquiry Fallout (November 22, 1989)

The Republican presidential nominee John McCain was one of the involved senators, and was criticized for "poor judgment."NYT: Bitter McCain Bids Ethics Panel To End Delay (October 23, 1990) John McCain referred to the scandal as one of the biggest mistakes of his political career.NYT2: For McCain, Self-Confidence on Ethics Poses Its Own Risk (February 21, 2008) Barack Obama's presidential campaign may use the scandal to discredit the Republican senator.Politico: Exclusive: Obama to hit McCain on Keating Five (October 6, 2008)