McCain, McCain Go Away

Two different groups today have now asked U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona not to come to California next for a scheduled fundraiser with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Here's what the folks at Arnold Watch had to say: If McCain is the real McCoy of campaign finance reformers he should be a no-show at the Gov's bash, where the top ticket to get closest to Arnold goes for 100 grand. In a letter sent today, FTCR called on McCain to terminate his involvement and endorse the clean money elections initiative coming to the California ballot in November. "Your efforts to reform campaign financing drew the direct line between contributions and influence, and we are disheartened that you would stand by Mr. Schwarzenegger while he collects from his corporate benefactors," said the letter. It quoted Mcain's own statement in 1999 that the campaign finance system "'is nothing less than an elaborate influence peddling scheme in which both parties conspire to stay in office by selling the country to the highest bidder.'" Then, later this afternoon, the leadership of the Alliance for a Better California sent this letter: “Senator, we urge you to heed your own call when you say, ‘Soft money is really what’s harming American politics as we know it.’ By withdrawing your participation in the Governor’s upcoming event, you will send both the Governor and all Californians the clear message that you remain committed to eliminating the corruption and improper influence that soft money contributions foster.”