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McCain plans to attack ethics bill |
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By Susan Crabtree
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Posted: 08/02/07 07:17 PM [ET] |
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) plans to take a break from the campaign trail to speak out against the Democratic lobbying reform package Thursday before it hits the floor at the end of the week, according to one of the bill’s chief opponents, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.)
DeMint held up final negotiations on the bill for weeks, arguing that earmark provisions that purport to provide more transparency do nothing but maintain the status quo. For instance, he said, the majority leader has the right to certify what constitutes an earmark instead of a nonpartisan Senate officer such as the parliamentarian.
The junior senator from South Carolina said McCain shares those views and plans to participate in a press conference Thursday morning, along with other opponents of the ethics measure. He could even vote against the entire bill, DeMint said.
“It wouldn’t surprise me,” he noted.
DeMint said McCain’s national reputation as a reformer would help him and Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), another vocal opponent, highlight the bill’s weaknesses to other senators and the American people, and could help revive his flagging campaign for president.
McCain returned to the Senate Monday night to develop strategy with Coburn, DeMint and Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.). He huddled with Coburn and Burr on the Senate floor Monday night.
Afterward, Burr said opposing a weak ethics bill could only help McCain on the campaign trail.
“He will be back on Friday and engaged in the debate,” Burr said.
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