McCain Camp Touts Ollie North Endorsement
Updated 2:47 p.m.
By Juliet Eilperin and Rena Kirsch
One of the key figures in the Iran-contra scandal is now endorsing Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), but is McCain endorsing him back?
This morning the McCain campaign helpfully circulated a column Oliver North had penned in the Washington Times, extolling the senator's virtues, under the heading "In Case You Missed It: Oliver North on John McCain." The e-mail made a point of pulling out the key laudatory quote and placing it in bold, making it even easier for reporters to read: "Neither John McCain, nor anyone in his campaign asked me to write this column. But I cannot sit silently while my fellow conservatives do to John McCain what GOP 'moderates' did to me. Today, the stakes for our country are far higher, the implications for the future far greater than who sits in one of 100 U.S. Senate seats. Now, our nation is at war against a vicious foe. We need a president who has proven how to win it."
That prompted The Trail to ponder a simple question: Is McCain pleased to receive North's endorsement, given the fact that the failed GOP senatorial candidate was convicted in 1989 of shredding documents, accepting an illegal gratuity and aiding and abetting in the obstruction of Congress? Of course, a three-judge panel vacated North's conviction the following year on a technicality, calling for proceedings to determine whether North's immunized testimony influenced witnesses in his trial. And after the Supreme Court declined to review the case, U.S. District Judge Gerhard A. Gesell -- who had earlier sentenced North to a three-year suspended prison term, two years' probation, $150,000 in fines and 1,200 hours' community service -- dismissed it. Still, McCain was serving in Congress when North was conducting the activities in question, so it seemed like a reasonable question to ask.
The McCain campaign's response? "We'll let the comments in the release stand," wrote spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker in an e-mail. "Thanks."
John McCain was also a bit player in Ollie's 1994 Senate race. In June, just after Ollie was nominated by a Republican convention to take on Chuck Robb, many Republicans balked and refused to support North. Bob Dole and John McCain were both interviewed on CBS's "Face the Nation" on June 5. Dole said he wouldn't support North and would instead meet with J. Marshall Coleman, a former Republican attorney general running as an independent. That sent huge shock waves through Virginia. McCain said he would support North but offered disparaging words about his chances of winning that were seen as an additional shot by national Republicans who clearly didn't want him. Here's what McCain said on the show:
"I know nothing illegal or unconstitutional that took place in the Virginia Republican Party's process of selecting their nominee. I'll support their nominee and it's -- clearly, it's Colonel North at this time. And by the way, I'm the person that called for the resignation of the governor of this state, who was of my party. But I don't see anything wrong with the process. I think from a clear political standpoint, our chances of winning that seat are dramatically diminished. There's no doubt about that. But I respect the views and decision of the Virginia Republican Party."
Posted at 2:34 PM ET on Feb 12, 2008
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Posted by: mgasman | February 13, 2008 11:01 AM
Wow!, McCain has Ollie North's 'endorsement.'
That will make it all the more likely that McCain will lose the general election. With friends like North, who needs enemies?
Although it will simply be a footnote in the history of this campaign, the fact that McCain's office trumpeted this 'endorsement' speaks volumes. They need the right wing-nuts in the GOP to help - and there are plenty of them.
You think McCain has a Falwell after-life endorsement up his sleeve too?
Posted by: CaptainJohn2525 | February 12, 2008 9:33 PM
You Nancy panty washer boys wouldn't pass muster to clean the man's boots. Or McCains.
===
hahahahahah
you sound like you're in a lotta pain, Bushy
Posted by: chrisfox8 | February 12, 2008 9:02 PM
Ro-micro:
"You Nancy panty washer boys wouldn't pass muster to clean the man's boots. Or McCains."
Oh, such bold, intellectual commentary, Ro-micro. Can't wait for your follow-up. You know, your post epitomizes the typical, knuckle-dragging stereotype of a conservative. Congratulations!
Posted by: vegasgirl1 | February 12, 2008 8:10 PM
You Nancy panty washer boys wouldn't pass muster to clean the man's boots. Or McCains.
Posted by: Ro-micro | February 12, 2008 6:57 PM
Ollie was the guy who broke US laws in order to get weapons into the hands of our enemies.
Now he is warning that the same enemies he bolstered are still a threat.
Who would know better ?
Posted by: BrianX9 | February 12, 2008 6:49 PM
My manager came by my office to ask what I was laughing so hard about.
Remember Ollie? The felon who looked great in a uniform? The guy who ran guns to teenage terror gangs in Nicaragua outa the basement of the White House?
JUST THE MAN to endorse Baghdad John!!!
Posted by: chrisfox8 | February 12, 2008 6:30 PM
Ollie North is upset because of what GOP 'moderates' did to me(him)? Running for Office.
Ollie do you mean the branch of the Republican Party that has a Brain and Credibility, Character, Honor, Honesty?
Ollie I am not going to vote for McCain. But yours and Bushes Endorsement are the Kiss of Death..
I feel for his situation. Because McCain was ONE of the Republics that had a Brain, Credibility, Character, Honor, Honesty.
Unfortunatley all compromised by the Bigot/Prejudice and WAR at any cost Wings of the GOP.
You still have anthrax on your lips!
Kiss BUSH..
ISSA
Posted by: Issa1 | February 12, 2008 6:29 PM
Makes me wonder who McCain has working on his staff. Wouldn't you think they'd have someone else do the circulating?
Posted by: TomJx | February 12, 2008 5:04 PM
Good for McCain. He's got the felon vote wrapped up. Probably get Scooter Libby's vote as well.
Posted by: vinsons | February 12, 2008 3:35 PM
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O;iver North is a confessed federal felon. He took a gift valued at $15,000 from a contractor and didn't report it on his federal taxes. He's referred to as "Colonel" on FOX but receives no Marine pension as a result of his illegal activities.