75. Like Bush, McCain Tries to Deny Meeting with Lobbyists -- Despite Clear Proof to the Contrary.
Even though the Republican "culture of corruption" cost the GOP both houses of Congress, they have continued to engage in unethical behavior. While Democrats tightened rules to restrict the ties between legislators and lobbyists, the Republican presidential candidates have consistantly found themselves in the middle of high-profile scandals.
It's hard to tell many of the GOP candidates from the scandal-ridden President Bush they seek to replace. From campaign finance issues to cozy relationships with lobbyists, this current crop of Republican candidates keeps the muckraking journalists busy.
Use the menu on the left to browse candidates positions on Ethics
DID YOU KNOW?
- Even after Bernard Kerik’s bid - championed by Rudy Giuliani - to become Secretary of Homeland Security disintegrated with repeated revelations of ethical problems, Giuliani “has stuck by Mr. Kerik publicly.”
- John McCain voted against lobbying reform legislation in 2006, instead choosing to intensify his "K Street" fundraising.
- Duncan Hunter was implicated in the Duke Cunningham investigation because of his close connections with both the congressman and contractor Brent Wilkes, who was indicted and charged with bribery of a public official.
How Many Lobbyists Work on John McCain's Campaign?
We released this video entitled "No Kidding." Enjoy....
Ralph and Randy Strip the Veneer Off McCain's Reformer Rhetoric
On the same day John McCain bragged about how proud he is of the lobbyists running his campaign, McCain is accepting campaign cash raised by one of the central figures in the culture of corruption surrounding a convicted lobbyist. According to published reports, the chair of McCain's Georgia fundraising committee asked Ralph Reed, a central figure in the scandals surrounding disgraced Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff,to help raise money for today's fundraiser in Atlanta. Reed then asked his friends to send money to McCain in an email in which Reed advertised himself as a member of John McCain's Victory 2008 team. While Ralph Reed may not attend tonight's event, McCain has ignored criticism from nonpartisan watchdog groups who called on him to cancel tonight's fundraiser altogether. McCain's campaign has also ducked questions about what role Reed is playing in McCain's campaign why McCain is accepting money steered his way by Reed. [The Hill, 8/13/08]Read More · Link to this Article
McCain OK with Adviser's Lobbyist Past
John McCain told USA Today that he is OK with top foreign policy adviser Randy Scheunemann's lobbying on behalf of the former Soviet republic of Georgia. The fighting between Russia and Georgia has brought renewed attention to Scheunemann and the...Read More · Link to this Article
John McCain's Tainted Money
That is a picture of a bunch of criminals and a John McCain fundraiser on a boondoggle golfing trip to Scotland. On the left is infamous con-man Jack Abramoff who plead guilty to a variety of charges including conspiracy...Read More · Link to this Article
ICYMI: Rep. Waxman Says Ralph Reed Fundraiser Shows McCain a 'Reformer No More'
On a conference call to discuss John McCain's decision to raise campaign cash with scandal-plagued Republican activist Ralph Reed, Representative Henry Waxman said McCain's refusal to cancel the fundraiser shows that he is a "reformer no more." Waxman, who chaired the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform investigation into the scandal surrounding criminal lobbyist Jack Abramoff said McCain knows the degree to which Reed was involved in the scandal and should cancel the fundraiser scheduled for Monday.Read More · Link to this Article
#81: A Revolving Door for Lobbyists
81. Like Bush, McCain Has a Revolving Door Policy for Lobbyist Advisors - Both for His Senate Office and His Campaign.Read More · Link to this Article
