DNC: Investigate McCain For Election Law Violations

WASHINGTON — Democratic Party officials plan to file a new lawsuit to compel federal regulators to investigate whether Sen. John McCain violated election laws by withdrawing from public financing.

The Democratic National Committee announced Tuesday it will sue next week in U.S. District Court. It will ask the court to order the Federal Election Commission to examine, within 30 days, the legality of McCain's decision to reject $5.8 million in taxpayer funds.

By turning down the money, the presumed Republican nominee was able avoid strict spending limits between now and the GOP's national convention in September.

At issue is a $4 million line of credit the McCain campaign obtained late last year. While the loan was not secured by the promise of public funds, his agreement with the bank required McCain to reapply for public funds if he lost early primary contests and to use that money as collateral.

The DNC filed a complaint with the FEC in February, arguing that the bank arrangement violated federal regulations. But the six-member FEC has been unable to act because it doesn't have a quorum. Four nominees are awaiting Senate confirmation.

In throwing out an earlier DNC lawsuit, a federal judge pointed out that federal rules give the FEC up to 120 days to act on a complaint. That deadline expires next Tuesday.

McCain's campaign and his bankers adamantly deny that they used the public funds as collateral. On Tuesday, Republican National Committee chief counsel Sean Cairncross called the suit "meritless," and noted that McCain was entitled to withdraw from the public finance system because he did not receive any public funds during the primary.

Still, FEC Chairman David Mason in February asked McCain to explain the terms of the loan and informed McCain that he would need approval from the full FEC before withdrawing from public financing. McCain's campaign said it did not need such approval.

Comments

[shamanbart]

I hope the Court will find that McCain committed false representation in entering into that contract for financing. Then we would be able to correctly label McCain what he has shown himself to be on a number of levels: FRAUD.

[yhgtup]

I would much rather see the DNC demand to see the over 600 pages missing from McCain's military file. I think Vietnam Veterans Against John Mccain have have some powerful information disputing McCain's "hero" status.

[JoeBlough]

While we are at it, let's look into Bush McCains military record. Apparently, he's been making up a lot of lies. Let's see all 636 pages of documents.

[ebanks84]

I like the way the Democratic party is heading into the arena the right way. I believe Obama will make that party great in no time.

[CJGibson]

As usual, the republicans decide they get to play by their own, made-up rules.

[disgustedbyitall]

The Dems have made zero progress in holding the Bush administration to account for their crimes over the last eight years. Now they talking about an investigation of McCain. I'd like to see more than noise for a CHANGE.

[rasthedestroyer]

Scratch a liar, catch a thief.

[sd4peace]

"Ferderal Regulators" You might as well have said Santa Claus

[ChimpmasterDJ]

Investigating this bozo over a $4 million fraud seems petty. I would far prefer he be forced to undergo a full psychiatric evaluation. Now THAT would put paid to his presidential ambitions, for sure!

[riverhouse]

The Democrats need to hold McCain and the GOP accountable in every respect. It's a good thing to distract them, tie them up in controversy and paper work, and bring attention to their constant shifting positions and underhanded tactics. Obama and the Democrats should insist on transparency and accountability from their opponents. This is as good a fight as any.

[scooperss]

Well good. It's long past time the dems stood up for themselves even though the person they're standing up to isn't the president (yet and hopefully not).

[abby4ever]

Dumb idea, it will just be a sideshow---and it will rally some Republicans and evern some Independents to McCain's defence. And it will look as if the DNC is using dirty tactics to ensure a victory in November.
Let it alone.

[Mygirl]

No, It's about time we Democrats developed a backbone. I say bring it on.

[abby4ever]

Yes, a backbone---like impeachment. This stuff that they are going after just looks trite---and as if they are just piling on to ensure a victory in November. Compared to other things, it isn't even important. I think tghey picked the wrong fight.

[irishgawdess]

I'm with you Mygirl. It's time for some McCain transparency. And bring on the hidden medical records as well as military history. All told, as Ricky Ricardo always said, "Lucy, you got some 'splainin' to do!"

[1ChanceOnly]

From the time he sold his soul to be the Republic Party Nominee. He has usurped his "Straight Talk Express" mantra. He has no credibility...How can he honestly say that Barack is not a leader. Barack is Naive, Barack has no experience....da da...da da..., McCain can't manaage a campaign, other than lie and cheat...I guess that's experience. He has a bunch of Lobbyist running his campaign so I gues they can buy there way (pay off to the FEC) out of theire troubles. Anything they say is TRUE, ha...ha. Even when he ran out of money he caught a bus, ...Yeah Right an AIRBUS built in good ole Europe.

[1099]

First off, do you know what usurp means?

Second, McCain can say that Obama is naive and has no experience because those are facts. Since his election to the Senate the man has spent more time running for president than gaining experience in Washington. This might explain his substantial record in the Senate.

[Freakpower]

Troll trash -sticking up for greed and corruption!
Nice work boys!
Now get me a towel!

[watchingthings]

.......Jeb is peeking around the corner with his fingers crossed and hoping that Jonny Mac will resign......then he hopes to take over.

[TheOneironaut]

Oh god! The last piece of the Un-Holy Trinity!