McCain Lobbyist Scandal

Republican presidential candidate John McCain has made the fight against special interests and his own history of campaign finance reform a centerpiece of his campaign. The publication of a New York Times article alleging a close relationship, possibly even a romantic one, between McCain and lobbyist Vicki Iseman has started discussion about ties between these Washington figures and the McCain campaign.
Fast Facts:
1. Iseman lobbies for telecommunications companies for Alcalde and Fay

McCain Lobbyist Scandal News
- Topix.net: McCain Lobbyist Scandal
- Google News: McCain Lobbyist Scandal
- Associated Press: McCain Defends Lobbyist Ties (February 22, 2008)
  - McCain on his campaign staff, some of whom are former lobbyists: "These people have honorable records, and they're honorable people, and I'm proud to have them as part of my team."
- Newsweek.com: A Hole in McCain's Defense? (February 22, 2008)
  - McCain's lengthy denial of the New York Times piece, in which he claims that he was never personally asked to send a letter to the FCC on behalf of lobbying firms Paxson or Alcade and Fay, seems to contradict an answer he gave in a 2002 deposition. Then, he claimed to have been contacted by Paxson and to have sent letters addressing their complaints.
- WashingtonPost.com: "The Anti-Lobbyist, Advised by Lobbyists" (February 22, 2008)
  - Several members of McCain's inner circle are former lobbyists, including campaign manager Rick Davis, who co-founded a lobbying firm, and political adviser Charles Black Jr., a chairman of the lobbying firm BKSH and Associates.
- USAToday.com: McCain: There was no improper conduct (February 21, 2008)
  - In addition to denouncing the NYT article claiming he had had an affair with lobbyist Vicki Iseman, McCain vehemently denied that any such figures had "unwarranted influence" on him.
- Politico.com: McCain aides issue rebuttal (February 21, 2008)
  - This lengthy response to the New York Times discusses several occasions when McCain has voted against the interests of Iseman's clients.
- ABC News: Handling a Scandal, Did McCain Do it Right? (February 21, 2008)
- NPR: McCain Denounces 'Times' Story on Lobbyist Ties (February 21, 2008)
  - McCain told an Ohio fundraiser: "At no time have I ever done anything that would betray the public trust nor make a decision which, in any way, would not be in the public interest and would favor anyone or any organization."
- The New York Times: For McCain, Self-Confidence on Ethics Poses Its Own Risk (February 20, 2008)
  - This article alleges that McCain had a romantic relationship with lobbyist Vicki Iseman and that he used his position to win favors for her and her clients. McCain has vehemently denied these allegations.
- The New York Times: "Savior or Machiavelli, McCain Aide Carries On" (October 23, 2007)
  - A profile of McCain campaign manager Rick Davis, a key figure in the Washington Post story about McCain's ties to powerful Washington lobbying firms.
- Politico.com: Ex-reformer McCain depends on lobbyists (July 11, 2007)
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McCain Lobbyist Scandal on Amazon
- The Perfect Villain: John McCain and the Demonization of Lobbyist Jack Abramoff - $24.95
  
  Gary Chafetz is a liberal Boston journalist who set out to chronicle the scandal involving conservative gun-for-hire and super-lobbyist, Jack Abramoff. Instead he uncovered a Shake...
  
  Amazon
McCain Lobbyist Scandal Questions
- Do you trust John McCain to make important decisions about the future of the Internet? 8 Answers
  
  No, he's not someone who lives and dreams for the future of Internet. He isn't someone who uses the Internet and is one of those people who might believe AOL o... read more
- Has fmr Arizona Rep. J.D. Hayworth given any indication (on his talk show, etc) that he is planning on challenging Sen. John McCain 1 Answer
  
  There has been no official word, but the New Times says: "The word is that he's comfortable being the tribune of the far-right locally." I'm doubtful it will h... read more
- What is the best way to manage lobbyists? 1 Answer
  
  Public funding for ALL political campaigns(local, state, and federal). I, in no way, advocate this position. It would just lead us further down the path to soc... read more
- Who do you think is the most scandalous celebrity EVER and why? 10 Answers
  
  If you really mean the most scandalous celebrity EVER then I'd say none of the modern crop can even get close to Lord Byron (22 January 1788 – 19 April 1824)...... read more
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McCain Lobbyist Scandal Blogs and Commentaries
- The Swamp: McCain defends lobbyists then clams up on NYT (February 22, 2008)
- Firedoglake: McCain's Cronies: Rick Davis, Uber-Lobbyist, At The Helm (February 21, 2008)
- TheStreet.com: McCain Brushed, Not Tainted, by Lobbyist Scandal (February 21, 2008)
- NewsBusters.org: NYT's Big McCain Bombshell Fizzles Out (February 21, 2008)
- MotherJones.com: Blog: McCain Campaign Uses Lobbyist to Strike Back at Iseman Scandal (February 21, 2008)
- Google Blog Search: McCain Lobbyist Scandal
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