McCain: [conflict] Straight talk [while] 25-year legislative career shows he has been an avid seeker of special-interest money

Straight Talk and Cold Cash | By Edward T. Pound | Posted 5/20/07

"Our Democracy is not for sale." — Sen. John McCain, Arizona Republican
...
McCain has positioned himself as a die-hard opponent of special-interest influence. But a U.S. News analysis of his 25-year legislative career shows he has been an avid seeker of special-interest money to support his campaigns and initiatives. The pattern goes all the way back to his first House race in 1982. Moreover, as the boss or No. 2 member of the Senate Commerce Committee, he has drawn heavy support from pacs and individuals associated with industries overseen by that committee—especially telecommunications, media, and technology firms.
...
Connections. McCain is also relying on well-connected corporate executives and lobbyists to raise funds—people like Thomas Loeffler, a former congressman and lobbyist whose law firm was paid more than $5 million last year to represent Saudi Arabia. Loeffler, who is directing the McCain fundraising effort, is one of 15 national finance cochairs who each have pledged to raise $1 million for McCain.

McCain has repeatedly said that he wants to break up "the iron triangle of big money, special-interest lobbyists, and the legislation they buy," but his aides say he has no choice but to rely on influential money men if he wants to be president. McCain declined to be interviewed by U.S. News but provided written responses to questions. "Campaign contributions," the senator wrote, "have never affected my support or opposition to any legislation." He said that he took "positions, rightly or wrongly because I believe they are in the public interest." McCain added that his lobbyist supporters "have never asked for nor have I ever offered to take a position on legislation in exchange for their support." ...