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McCain still accepts lobbyist money

WASHINGTON, DC – As reported by The Hill: "Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who led the Senate Indian Affairs Committee investigation into the Jack Abramoff scandal, has sworn off taking tribal money in his presidential campaign but continues to accept donations from lobbyists whose firms represent tribal clients.

"McCain spokesman Danny Diaz said the senator believes that tribes can spend their money in other ways. He added that McCain implemented the ban on tribal money when he became chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in the midst of the Abramoff scandal, before the panel began probing the tens of millions of dollars the tribes paid the former lobbyist.

"Diaz, however, would not explain why McCain would not extend that policy to lobbyists representing tribes.

"…But in accepting these contributions, McCain could be making himself vulnerable to some of the very same tribal ties he wants to avoid.

"…Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer and Feld, with its affiliate, Ietan Consulting, is another powerful player in the tribal lobbying community. Combined the two firms represent at least 21 tribal clients, and employees of the firm have cut $41,000 in checks to McCain committees in the past three election cycles…"

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