McCain disputes old politics
By COLLEEN McCARTHY
Associate News Editor
Riding his campaign bus, the "Straight Talk Express," across the country, Republican presidential candidate John McCain has made it clear he doesn't play within political party lines.
Known for arguing with Republican colleagues in Congress, the Arizona senator holds many characteristics of traditional conservatives but bucks the GOP on various issues. This hasn't earned him many points among the Republican party faithful, and could hurt his chances to win the Republican presidential nomination.
Leading the fight for campaign finance reform, which most Republicans bitterly oppose has distanced him from some conservative voters, said Patricia Fava, communications director of the Alexandria, Va.-based American Conservative Union.
"Although his chances in the New Hampshire primary are fairly strong, conservatives have taken issue with McCain over First Amendment rights related to campaign finance reform," Fava said. "He is, in effect, alienating conservatives with his stances on some issues."
McCain, who co-sponsored a campaign finance reform bill with Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.) addressed the issue in a Dec. 7 Republican debate.
The McCain-Feingold bill called for banning unlimited contributions that corporations, lobbyists and unions can give to national parties.
In the debate, McCain argued that campaign finance reform is the only way to clean up the political system and make sure American citizens' best interests are represented over those of special interest groups.
"You take away the big money, you're going to take away their power, and you're going to break that iron triangle of lobbyists, big money and influence over the legislative process that has embarrassed so many of us," McCain said.
In a January debate in South Carolina, Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush argued that McCain's campaign finance reform bill would hurt the Republican party and conservative interests.
McCain responded, demonstrating his willingness to go against party politics and said, "I've always thought that what's best for the country is best for the party."
Taking on issues that the Republican party vehemently opposes could hamper McCain's chances for winning the Republican presidential nomination.
"All along one of the things that has been a problem is his tendency to go against the Republican party on certain issues," said Patrick Pierce, associate professor of political science at Saint Mary's. "McCain is a real maverick kind of guy, but the Republican party is not a maverick kind of party. He has taken a lot of issue stances that will alienate the conservative core and the Republican party rank and file."
The McCain campaign ignored the Iowa Caucus and instead focused its energies on the Feb.1 New Hampshire primary.
It appears New Hampshire conservative voters like McCain's politics.
A Jan. 25 CNN poll shows that 45 percent New Hampshire Republican voters would vote for McCain with only 33 percent voting for rival Bush.
All News Stories for Thursday, January 27, 2000
