McCain Lobbyist Scandal Continues: Government Warned Senator That Campaign Manager Was Undermining National Interests

The lobbying firm of McCain campaign manager Rick Davis acted in direct opposition to American foreign interests, which prompted a warning to McCain's Senate office from the United States government, according to a recent New York Times article.

Much has been reported about Rick Davis, top McCain adviser and lobbyist whose company, Davis Manafort, made its fortune in part by accepting jobs that didn't require employees to register as lobbyists. Davis has been in particular hot water for his company's work with pro-Russian Ukranian political candidates; Davis arranged for one of Putin's allies to meet with McCain during the time.

However, the New York Times has managed to take that already embarrassing story and make it even worse:

Mr. McCain may have first become aware of Davis Manafort's activities in Ukraine as far back as 2005. At that time, a staff member at the National Security Council called Mr. McCain's Senate office to complain that Mr. Davis's lobbying firm was undercutting American foreign policy in Ukraine, said a person with direct knowledge of the phone call who spoke on condition of anonymity.

A campaign spokesman, when asked whether such a call had occurred, referred a reporter to Mr. McCain's office. The spokesman there, Robert Fischer, did not respond to repeated inquiries.

Such a call might mean that Mr. McCain has been long aware of Mr. Davis's foreign clients. Mr. Davis took a leave from his firm at the end of 2006.

This isn't the only time when Davis' business interests have appeared counter to those of the United States: Davis' Ukranian contacts shared several business ties with Iran.

McCain suffered from a perception problem last month when the extent of his lobbying connection caused him campaign to fire several key staffers, as well as institute a new conflict-of-interest policy. The McCain camp has said that Davis is unaffected by the policy, as its implementation is not retroactive. Davis is no longer registered as a lobbyist.

UPDATE: Sen. Claire McCaskill appeared on CNN to discuss her efforts alongside Sen. Schumer to cut short foreign lobbying, a plan that seems to have a political as well as policy interest:

Comments

[AmericanSinceFeb08]

Davis, Black, who is next that will fall of the "gaffe talk" express?

[1PALady]

The Straight Talk Express made a detour long time ago!

[ErinOK]

That is the vehicle in the ditch that Obama mentioned months ago. Someone shouldn't taken the keys away from McCain and the "Straight Talk Express".

[ebanks84]

Yep, to the "lying Bush local".

[Gatormouth]

I am sorry, but this news item goes beyond character or politics. From the accumulating evidence, this screams gross incompetence. This man's campaign was a collection of accidents. There must have been little planning, and no vetting at all. It's like going out to look at properties for sale and discovering that one of them is infested with rats.

[Tom95134]

"Anything for Power" That's what it written on the bottom of the straight talk express so you can see it as McCain drives the bus over you.

[Americanium]

These are the things that Obama should be concentrating on. Reform, gas prices, lobbyists and jobs.

Obama spent weeks going back and forth with McCain over Iraq policy. I have no idea who is advising Obama but he cannot win in November if he does not speak to the American people and stop campaigning as if he is still in the primaries.

This is the General Election not the primaries.

[crusty]

Iraq's not an issue in the general election? Then why is McCain campaigning on it?

[Smirk]

Wow! You know it's bad if part of the crony-packed, incompetent Bush administration actually objected. That, or they didn't get a big enough cut.

[Sparty1]

I'm totally amazed that McCain would even get on tv and talk about Mr. Holder when his campaign has Mr. Black and Mr. Davis still on the payroll. I would've kept my mouth shut and let the MSM talk about it. I seriously think that the GOP has it out for McCain when they allow this stuff to happen. He's totally opening himself up for the WTF comeback on this one.

[eternalkerri]

who the heck is in charge over there? seriously, its almost comical!

[CTmom13]

CHECK MATE

[ebanks84]

This is information saying that Senator McCain never wanted legislature to find POWs. This is a powerful video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBiti-ZbeO0

[ebanks84]

The straight talk express has been carrying a crooked rider it seems: This is a website you need to see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s7kEb6Osqc

[lovethesinner]

Talk about bulls**t:

"The McCain camp has said that Davis is unaffected by the [no lobbyist] policy, as its implementation is not retroactive."

So, as long as McCain doesn't hire any MORE crooks, he's clean?

This is "STRAIGHT TALK"? ("Tonto, we are surrounded by LOBBYISTS"!)

[donaldw6]

Digg this story. Let's help drive the visibility on this.

[Bluejay00234]

Hmm lets see how fast McStain moves on this, 3, 4 , 5 months?

[TheKnownTruth]

No wheels on the straight talk express !!!!!!

[DShawn233]

That's not an accurate statement. There are wheels on the "staight talk express." The problem is that they are square and made of rocks.

[mhj555]

Wingnut SOP, break the law and play dumb while pointing at Democrats.