Fact Check: McCain lobbyist connections CONFIRMED (vote, Congress, campaign, ethics)

[Hero]

Fact Check: McCain-lobbyist connections - CNN.com

Rick Davis: Campaign manager, major telecommunications lobbyist.

Randy Scheunemann: Senior foreign policy adviser recently faced scrutiny over his foreign lobbying on behalf of the Republic of Georgia, which has been embroiled in a military conflict with Russia.

Charlie Black: Senior adviser was a foreign lobbyist for dictators in Zaire and Angola in the 1980s, fodder for the liberal group MoveOn.org.

Frank Donatelli: RNC liaison to the McCain campaign, has had clients including Exxon Mobil.

Nancy Pfotenhauer: Economic adviser has lobbied for corporate giants like Koch Industries.

John Green: McCain's congressional liaison & Wayne Berman: national finance Co-chairman both lobbied for Fannie Mae, the troubled mortgage giant.

"No Maverick"

[Cleanmaxx Brian]

I don't think we need a fact check on this one...McCain new his staff was all lobbyist so he told them all they had to quit.

The funny part of this hypocrisy is he picked Palin who hired a lobbyist to work for her.
Well...he did say that he would make them famous!

[ashrob123]

I didn't even know that this was up for debate.

I wonder how much people DON'T know about McCain and his campaign.

Change my arse.

[bryan61]

Cool, these are the people we need to smear obama. Looks like an execution squad

[Hero]

From McCain's website: JohnMcCain.com - McCain-Palin 2008

Stop the Revolving Door and Restore Ethics

Most people believe that elected leaders are more interested in the perks and privileges of office than in public service, and that too often the special interest lobbyists with the fattest wallets and best access carry the day when issues of public policy are being decided.

He has fought the "revolving door" by which lawmakers and other influential officials leave their posts and become lobbyists for the special interests they have aided.

He has fought for an independent ethics office in Congress to help restore the public's faith in the integrity of the legislative branch.

Democracy is Not for Sale

The American people have been alienated from the process of self-government by the overwhelming appearance of their elected leaders having sold-out to the big-moneyed special interests who help finance political campaigns.

As John McCain has said, "Americans believe that political representation is measured on a sliding scale. The more you give the more effectively you can petition your government." It is no coincidence that the most influential lobbyists with the greatest access in the nation's Capitol are also the most prolific political fundraisers, and that incumbents attract money in far greater volumes than most challengers.


So the anti-lobbyistis... is advised by lobbyists?

[Miborn]

Cool..........Because..........

Bidens son is a LOBBYIST!

[ZGACK]

Lobbyist: A person who tries to persuade legislators to introduce or vote for measures favorable and against measures unfavorable to an interest that he or she represents.

Advocating for or against a position is a perfectly legitimate activity. Buying influence a la Jack Abramoff is not. Business has just as much a right to make their case as the individual since they too are impacted by legislation, usually more so. As long as there is no corruption lobbying is fine.