Ex-Clinton adviser defends McCain
February 21, 2008
By Jennifer Harper and Stephen Dinan - Lanny Davis, a former special adviser to President Clinton and longtime Democratic activist, challenged reports today that Sen. John McCain may have done a favor for a female lobbyist, calling them meritless.
Mr. Davis said the likely Republican presidential nominee did not "yield to a lobbyist" and backed up Mr. McCain's account that the senator only wrote to the Federal Communication Commission in a routine letter that did not cross the lines of propriety.
The New York Times and The Washington Post this morning both reported on Mr. McCain's ties to lobbyist Vicky Iseman, and questioned some of Mr. McCain's efforts on behalf of Paxson Communications, a client of hers in late 1999 which was trying to buy a Pittsburgh television station.
Mr. McCain, at the time the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, which had jurisdiction over the FCC, wrote two letters to the commission that year urging them to make a decision, though he said he did intend to take sides in the deal.
Mr. Davis, who emphasized he doesn't support the Arizona senator's bid, was also lobbying on the same deal.
"It is sad and unfortunate that facts are not included to make a fair story and that good journalism rules were not followed," Mr. Davis said. "I am unhappy. I am sad that McCain's actions are being described as improper when we went beyond the pale to avoid looking like he was violating an FCC rule."
Mr. Davis said that the Post called him four weeks ago for comment on the likelihood that Mr. McCain had at one time done a "favor" for the lobbyist. Mr. McCain only wrote a "status inquiry letter" to the federal agency, only adding that he hoped the FCC "would address the situation as soon as possible."
It was a standard procedure, Mr. Davis said, nothing "special."
During the Post interview, Mr. Davis reminded the reporter that he had already made a statement to the paper in 2000 which cleared the senator of wrongdoing. The statement was not included in today's story which paints a damning picture of Mr. McCain's activities.
The Times never contacted him at all, Mr. Davis said. He said he was troubled by today's accusations.
In a press conference this morning, Mr. McCain said he wrote to the FCC only after the process had gone on nearly twice as long as usual.
"In the letter, I said I am not telling you how to make a decision, I'm just telling you that you should move forward and make a decision on this issue. And I believe that was appropriate," he said.
The Times report cited unnamed former McCain staffers who said they had to warn Mr. McCain about the lobbyist and who said they took steps to keep her away from Mr. McCain.
The newspaper used the anecdote as an opportunity to examine Mr. McCain's record, including accusations nearly two decades ago that he and four other senators used their influence on behalf of Charles Keating, a McCain supporter who ran a savings and loan.
Mr. McCain, standing with his wife, Cindy, at his side at this morning's press conference, also denied he had a romantic relationship with the lobbyist, and said the Times piece was "not true."
In a statement, the Times said it stood by its reporting.
washingtontimes.com
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