McCain Hit Again on Arizona Land Deals
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) answers questions from reporters on his bus prior to visiting the St. Albans Gun and Archery store in Charleston, W.Va., May 16, 2008. (Associated Press)
By Matthew Mosk
Sen. John McCain's ties to the real estate development arm of his home state's power company continued to prove nettlesome today, as a newspaper reported that McCain secured millions in federal funds for a land acquisition program that benefited the firm.
Earlier this month, The Washington Post reported that McCain had championed a deal to trade valuable federal land in northern Arizona to a rancher who then enlisted Tempe-based SunCor Development to build as many as 12,000 homes on the property.
SunCor's president, Steve Betts, is a longtime McCain supporter who has raised more than $100,000 for the senator's presidential bid.
Today's report, in USA Today, revealed that McCain inserted $14.3 million into a 2003 defense bill to buy land around Luke Air Force Base. SunCor sought the provision as the largest of about 50 landowners near the base. SunCor representatives, upset with a state law that restricted development around Luke, met with McCain's staff to lobby for funding, John Ogden, SunCor's president at the time, told the paper.
The Air Force later paid SunCor $3 million for 122 acres near the base, according to the report. It was the highest single land transaction of the private lots purchased by the government -- three times the county's assessed value and twice the military's estimated value.
McCain's campaign sought to discredit the report in e-mails to reporters today, calling it a "smear job." The campaign said the Air Force needed to acquire the land to "ensure the safety of flight operations associated with the base."
As with the 2005 land swap legislation that helped position SunCor to build on large swaths of land available for development near Prescott, McCain's campaign said his action on the land near Luke Air Force Base had widespread support in Arizona.
"This story is absurd," said Brian Rogers, a McCain campaign spokesman. "This project was requested by the Air Force and supported by virtually everyone in Arizona -- Democrats and Republicans, Governor Napolitano, the entire congressional delegation and scores of local leaders -- but that's not even mentioned in this story. It's shameful."
Posted at 3:07 PM ET on May 16, 2008
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Posted by: Miguel | June 5, 2008 3:26 PM
mnteng-Actually, what I am Hoping, is that McAmnesty gets fried enough by the Fire, to want to run back to the nice comfortable Senator Life he has enjoyed.
OR, possibly grab the Secretary of DEFENSE Role.
IT IS, the ECONOMY!
Then, he HAS to honestly realize, GAMES were played that got him there! He WILL NEVER Energize enough support on his WAR Platform. NEVER!
And EVERY Time he tries talking Economy, he sounds like a Duffus!
For the Good of the Party, he should BACK OUT!
Senator Kennedy is Battling for his Life right now. The Job of the President is MUCH more Stressful! There is NOTHING Wrong, with being a Senior Senator!-Unless, thanks to a Lame Ticket, the GOP gets so devastated that EVERY Republican Running gets wiped out by "Straight" Ticket Votes in a Monumental Land-Slide!
No, Much better the GOP gets a Ticket that ENERGIZES and MOBILIZES the Forces! For any Congressman in the Party!(And the US BTW!) ;~)
Posted by: RAT-The | May 17, 2008 8:33 PM
Time after time, it's McSenile doing good deeds for huge PIGS of real estate developers. Time after time, he STEALS my PUBLIC LANDS and gives them to his friends.
In a recent case in the WP, it was shown that he turned over a HUGE ARMY BASE in CA for a SONG to a friend, who turned around and MADE MILLIONS. MILLIONS FROM MY PUBLIC LANDS.
McCain is nothing but a thief and a thief enabler.
Posted by: POed Lib | May 17, 2008 6:55 PM
They need to keep questioning him, he gets away with too much. Pay close attention to how he doesn't allow a questioner to finish a question. That's a sign that he's upset.
Any type of "prison" stay has consequences, that's why the recividism rate is 80+ percent.
Posted by: Shag | May 17, 2008 5:22 PM
Hey RAT:
Are you proposing the usurp the will of the people and install a Romney/Huckabee ticket instead of McAmnesty? Why, that sounds positively superdelegate-like!
Posted by: mnteng | May 17, 2008 4:01 PM
McCain "hit again" on land deals? Why is it that when McCain gets criticized on perfectly valid and truthful facts, he's "hit."
Why weren't there similar headlines for Obama:
Obama "hit again" on being "Muslim"
Obama "hit again" for not wearing a lapel pin (even though John McCain doesn't wear one either.
Those accusations would be "hits." The accusations against McCain should be investigated.
Posted by: Anonymous | May 17, 2008 3:05 PM
Maybe our "friend" hasn't lsot the old Keating 5 mentality!!!
Who was it that said, "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely?"
Posted by: rjstolb | May 17, 2008 1:36 PM
Reasonably Stupid:
The "everybody does it" defense? I don't give a cr.ap. I don't care if others do it. They are not running for POTUS.
McSenile is corrupt, but likes to pretend he is a good guy. Nope. He is a corrupt toad who has stolen MY MONEY.
Posted by: POed Lib | May 17, 2008 12:56 PM
it is a full-pocket talk express.
Posted by: full pocket | May 17, 2008 12:44 PM
Time and time again, McSenile has helped out billionaires make more money, by stealing land and property from ME, JOHN Q. PUBLIC.
In California, he helped a RICH, FAT DEVELOPER steal a closed military base and make MILLIONS. HE stole MY MONEY.
In Arizona, time and time again, McSenile has stolen land and given it to his buddies.
He's a thief.
Posted by: POed Lib | May 17, 2008 12:38 PM
Stick with the facts!!!
This is about the McCain that is in effect stealing our tax money to help this supporter. Using his position to his benefit!
That's an impeachable offence, he should go to jail!
Posted by: GHM | May 17, 2008 11:00 AM
What politicians say most is who they are not.
With McCain it's "straight talk." His record proves that.
With Obama, it's "change." He would need 60 senate votes
to make change, and that is unlikely.
Posted by: Kal Oshion | May 17, 2008 10:52 AM
Dear JerkD:
I suppose it's possible that Barack HUSSIEN Obama will bring it up, but I doubt it will be in response to any invented Rezko "problems" as you say.
What stinks in McCain's story is the fact that the seller was paid at least twice the Air Force's estimate, and the other parcels were an even swap. A politician sincerely acting in the public interest would have used the swap to negotiate a fair price, at least, instead of the multiple price.
So get used to it. Our next president will be named Barack HUSSIEN Obama! I'm really glad that annoys you.
Posted by: aBigSAM | May 17, 2008 10:41 AM
Perhaps before everyone gets so whipped-up to link McCain to all this "corruption", how about understanding that the requests were vetted through the Governor's office - a Democrat and supported by the everyone in the Congressional delegation and the local elected officials, too. For the record, it is normally the senior senator that inserts these types of provisions into bil, especially if the senator sits on the appropriate requesting committee. Take NY where Shumer, not Clinton, inserts these funding requests all the time. Or go check Dick Durbin's record of special appropriations. Moreover, the job of a Senator is to represent their state's interests and balance them against the national interests. Where has John McCain failed to do this? He has been a very good Senator everyone has admired until the past several weeks. Any wonder? The reporters are looking for trash. They also have either no experience with Senate appropriations to be reporting on this subject, never mind that they do no research whatsoever. And they don't bother to try to put this in context. In that light, why not ask Diane Feinstein why the property surrounding the Presido, owned by the Navy, was given away at US tax payer's expense? After all, she was the mayor of the city, so isn't there some scheme there to pay off her old friends? Or the Ivan Boesky land swap she, the former Governor and President Clinton tried to arrange. There is a logical and a political reason, but you figure it out! Or, you can accuse her and the entire California delegation of corruption, too. And, don't forget Tom Daschle who as a Dem leader got some sweetheart deals, too. Or Harry Reid, John Breaux, John Warner, or every Senator in the history of the US. ANd, linking this to Bush? Don't be so naive, petty and partisan! Grow up! Wake up! It doesn't matter what party you belong to, it is done every day by every member of Congress. For the length of service, McCain is pretty darn clean. And, he didn't get any personal reward. Campaign cash of $100K is nothing in a multi-million Senate race. Now the Jr Senator from Illinois has already been involved in at least two very questionable land deal within his first 2 years that where he has personally benefited. Come on, wake up, its Chicago after all.
Posted by: Reasonable | May 17, 2008 9:36 AM
Sleazy attacks? Like the ones saying Obama is a closet Muslim?
Posted by: Garak | May 17, 2008 8:50 AM
The problem with McCain's denials is that this is consistent with a very long PATTERN of behavior. He is the Spiro Agnew of our day (except that he might be older).
Posted by: Ba'al | May 17, 2008 8:08 AM
Conservative Culture of Corruption. AKA, Republicanism.
Posted by: Warren | May 17, 2008 8:06 AM
It is absurd (and won't be brought up by Barack HUSSEIN Obama, that's for sure, with his own Rezko problems ; )
Posted by: JakeD | May 16, 2008 3:09 PM
Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity have taught you well. Welcome to the dark side of the force....
Posted by: your mom | May 17, 2008 6:56 AM
Be very very afraid of the neo-cons. Der Fuhrer wants to protect the fatherland...Remember what happened then?
Posted by: WWII | May 17, 2008 6:54 AM
Republicans only enter politics to make money off taxpayers they did not have the skill to make honestly in the open market.
Posted by: Franky | May 16, 2008 4:02 PM
It's called "bullsh*t artist.
Posted by: squixty | May 17, 2008 6:52 AM
Someone needs to quiz McCain on the Renzi relationship. As many of you know, Congressman Renzi has been indicted...a frequent traveller with McCain on one of his highlight trips to Iraq last year.
Congressman Renzi's father, not recently deceased was the "military front man" for Mantech...and largest Defense contractor who benefited greatly from Rumsfelt's outsourcing strategy.
McCain needs to be asked alot of tough questions..in my mind and knowing alittle more about the Renzi-Mantech relationship and having worked in Iraq along Mantech "mechanics" who were missioned to repair the Buffulo (demining equipment)..but, did not...caused perhaps more than a few deaths and injuries to US troops.
Yes, ask McCain...
Posted by: LTC US Army | May 17, 2008 4:51 AM
More from the Double Talk Express.
Posted by: pmorlan | May 17, 2008 3:30 AM
"McCain...looking stupid! "Making DEALS selling out the republicans while they Line up to Vote republican, proof they are truely the party of the stupid!
I found the Washingtonpost Article accurate, and trueful, and sad, very sad for Millionare/republican/Mcsame.
In conclusion, be sure you (R)"run and vote for mcSame/Millionare/"Lets make a DEAL" McCAIN!
ANother republican crook selling out the republicans, while the rest of the country/MAJORITY" Look on...and see the "Disasterous Republican Party for what it is, "A SELL OUT!
My Goodness looks like those silly republicans got caught again, good job reporting the TRUTH/FACTS/ISSUES Washingtonpost, that concern US ALL!
This registered Voter/Vet USAF, Graduate Student, ETSU, will remember, the Record, of republicans, and VOte against everyone of them, hopefully, you will too!
Posted by: Tommy Birchfield | May 17, 2008 1:28 AM
Check out this video by Moveon.org on McCain's connections to lobbyists.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjCYmjjxp8I&eurl=http://dailykos.com/
He's definitely the change we've been waiting for.
Posted by: Nuffsaid | May 16, 2008 6:44 PM
That's it John!
Smile.
Happy thoughts, keep thinking "Happy Thoughts"!
I'd be soooooo Happy SHOVING THAT CAMERA UP THIS CLOWN'S....
Smile! You are NOT ANGRY! NOT! ANGRY!!!!
Posted by: McCain's Brain ;-) | May 16, 2008 5:58 PM
Hey, get that Broken Down "Express Bus", off the Road!
Posted by: GOP Progress | May 16, 2008 5:52 PM
RAT to the RESCUE! :-)
I've got GOOD News, Good News, and I'm afraid some bad news, tied to some more Bad News!
In Order: John McCain is STILL A SENATOR and as such has NOTHING to worry about! :-)
The GOP has TWO Outstanding Choices perfectly capable of Taking Over and handling the Job!
M&M's-Mitt and Mike! :-)
Now the Bad news: The Dimocrat Socialist have gone through a very trying Ordeal for Nada, Nothing, Squat, Zilch, ZERO! :-(
More Bad News:
THEY, are also STILL Congressmen! :-(
And may God have mercy on their supporters souls! ;~)
Posted by: RAT-The | May 16, 2008 5:17 PM
VISIT WWW.POLITICALINSIDER.NET FOR ALL THE LATEST POLITICAL NEWS AND OPINION. THE POLITICAL INSIDER INCLUDES A BLOG, VIDEOS,POLLS, ONLINE SURVEY, ELECTION RESULTS, POLITICAL CARTOONS AND MUCH MORE
WWW.POLITICALINSIDER.NET
Posted by: zachary | May 16, 2008 4:17 PM
Republicans only enter politics to make money off taxpayers they did not have the skill to make honestly in the open market.
Posted by: Franky | May 16, 2008 4:02 PM
Tip of the iceberg of a dirty politician. Long way to Nov "my friend".
Posted by: Anonymous | May 16, 2008 3:40 PM
McCain likes to pose as a man of great integrity, but we all know he is just another sleazy politician out to feather his own nest. He's every bit as corrupt as GWBush and Bush Sr. McCain as President would mean four more years of catering to the rich and super rich and doing nothing for ordinary Americans. Fortunately, McCain has virtually no chance of winning in November. Let him stay in the Senate and continue to rake in dirty money from his corrupt supporters. That's what he's good at.
Posted by: David S. Robins | May 16, 2008 3:38 PM
wait a minute, when McCain first came out to this part of the country, the "homeland" was a collection of caves measured by how far a pterodactyl flies.
Posted by: pubichaironmycokecan | May 16, 2008 3:34 PM
ooops, well, ok, so they all do it. McCain is so old, he can not be dragged inton the Wright controversy because he predates religion.
Posted by: JakeD's shadow | May 16, 2008 3:31 PM
It is absurd (and won't be brought up by Barack HUSSEIN Obama, that's for sure, with his own Rezko problems ; )
Posted by: JakeD | May 16, 2008 3:09 PM
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Folks - I hate politicians who steal our money and give it away to their friends. I know people support this candidate or that one, but this issue is beyond that. If someone is a thief, then call them a thief, don't defend them, or say the other guy stole more money.
We need to get beyond this partisan stuff, and nail EVERY ONE of those thieves-Republican, Democrat, or Independent.