The Auction Blog
How Close Is Too Close?
BY Taylor Rausch | July 17, 2008
John McCain’s most recent bundler disclosure shows a possible link to convicted felon and former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, The New York Times reports. But it’s a stretch. The person of interest, Juan Carlos Benitez, is a registered lobbyist who Abramoff had recruited for a spot in the Bush administration. The McCain camp notes that Abramoff was one of many who recommended Benitez as special counsel for immigration-related unfair employment practices in 2001, and does not see a viable connection. Benitez has bundled between $50,000 and $100,000 for the Republican campaign.
Lucrative Loopholes
BY Taylor Rausch | July 16, 2008
John McCain has raised over $62 million earmarked for the general election, Daily Kos reports. Through loopholes that McCain’s “Victory” committees have found in Federal Election Commission regulations, McCain will be able to funnel donations to the Republican National Committee and couple that with his $85 million in public financing.
More >Big-Dollar Dependency
BY Sarah Laskow | July 16, 2008
Bundlers raised more than half of John McCain’s presidential campaign dollars, but are responsible for just one-fifth of Barack Obama’s campaign chest, USA Today reports.
A Good Day for “Ms. Bud”
BY Taylor Rausch | July 15, 2008
Cindy McCain is cashing in on InBev’s buyout of Anheuser-Busch, The New York Times reports. The nation’s third-largest A-B distributor, Hensley & Company, is expected to gain $1 million to $2 million from the sale. Outside of her executive role at Hensley, the McCain clan will also gain from her other personal stocks and those owned by her children.
Future Ambassadors
BY Sarah Laskow | July 14, 2008
Stephen and Kimmy Brauer, John McCain’s hosts tomorrow at a St. Louis fundraising reception and dinner, are familiar with the rewards of fundraising. Stephen was a Pioneer-level donor for President Bush, who appointed him ambassador to Belgium in 2001.
More >Recently Blogged
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