April 11, 2008
Posted: April 11th, 2008 05:30 PM ET

From

(CNN) - As presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain battle over whether to accept public financing in the general election, a top McCain campaign official was on Capitol Hill Friday trying to reassure House Republican staff members that the campaign’s fundraising woes are not as bad as they appear.

McCain campaign manager Rick Davis described how a fundraising structure would be set up if McCain decides to take public financing, according to two aides who attended the meeting.

"This was the campaign saying that everyone is predicting doom and gloom, but we have a plan in place to compete with Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton," one GOP aide said.

At a briefing for about 100 GOP staffers at the Capitol Hill Club, Davis and other senior campaign advisors explained that the campaign plans to raise money through the party’s RNC Victory Fund and multiple state party Victory Funds. This would add to the $84 million in public money it would be limited to spending by the Federal Election Commission. Campaign officials emphasized that state party chairs would be given more responsibility and a greater role in the campaign.

Another aide who attended the meeting said the McCain campaign structure contrasted with President Bush's 2004 campaign, which was largely run out of a national office. This aide described McCain's approach as "more regional," relying more on local officials and operatives, rather than a large national staff. The campaign handed out maps showing the swing states it was targeting.

Although Friday’s meeting focused largely on organizational and fundraising issues, Davis was asked about McCain's pick for Vice President. After joking that all of their Congressional bosses were on the short list, Davis said that it was a decision McCain would make personally. He declined to give any timeline.

Filed under: John McCain


Rebecca   April 11th, 2008 10:30 pm ET

Whatever happened about that little matter in Canada? Obama has a problem with the truth too, don't you think? I think its call POLITICIANS

Byron Pope   April 11th, 2008 10:28 pm ET

I vote in Penn. although I'm an exile Korean War vet who lives in Geneva, Switzerland. Obama's comment about folks being bitter is Penn.? I go a step further and say that they are angry and mad about the loss of jobs under the two last administrations.

karen from philly   April 11th, 2008 10:27 pm ET

McCain is behind the dems in all ways. He is too slow and dimwitted to run for the presidency but then again so is the current one.

whatever republicans   April 11th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

You guys can do whatever you want, McCain will be crushed. The momentum is so in favor to the democrats that whatever effort on the republicans part will falter.

TAMIKO   April 11th, 2008 10:20 pm ET

OBAMA: I BELIEVE THE PEOPLE IN PA WILL FEEL LIKE HE IS IN TOUCH WITH THEM AND HILLIARY AND MCCAIN SEE WHAT THEY WANT TO SEE.

HILLARY: HILLARY NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED MORE, SHE ALWAYS SOUND AS IF SHE IS IN A FANASY LAND. CHECK OUT HER STORY WHEN SHE SPOKE ABOUT MLK, DO SOME RESEARCH AND SEE IF AT THE AGE OF 14 SHE EVEN MEET HIM,MMMMMMMMMM

MCCAIN: VERY MUCH OUT OF TOUCH.

HILLARY IS PLAYING RIGHT INTO THE REPUBLIC HANDS. SHE IS TRING TO WIN AT ANY MEAN NECESSARY.

Madalynn   April 11th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

McCain is old world. Obama is new world but Hilary is the Real World. Small towns are what made this country, their struggles and the result created this country-real people created this country and that is what Hilary is. She is REAL. McCain and Cheney, omg -that would be a nightmare. A bunch of old fellas finishing off the mess that Bush created. Hilary is tired, she is working hard to help us all and the media is bias. They never televise much on
Obama, well congrats to the Obama campaign, let's hear more about Wrights (oops I meant Obama's) belief systems about small town America! Bring it on...and the people will awake!

Lorenzo   April 11th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

Here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris from San Antonio   April 11th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

McCain will be forced to use the public funding systme. Obama will continue to rely on $20 and $100 donations and sweep into November with 5 times the contributions.
Then we'll hear from the Right about how unfair the system is.

You heard it here first.

Len   April 11th, 2008 9:53 pm ET

All the money won't buy the democrats the Presidency.
Either Obama Independents will jump ship and vote McCain, or Clinton Democrats will jump ship and vote McCain.

The DNC has discovered another way to lose an easy White House run. lol

McCain 08

Lin   April 11th, 2008 9:50 pm ET

That would be a good change, how could Obama be against it? He's the one saying he's not for special interest, put your money where your mouth is and do it, after all your own slogan says change you can beleive in so do it, public financing

Brad   April 11th, 2008 9:50 pm ET

Hill supporter will join if she is not the nominee . I don't think we need a butt kisser in the White House like Obama who will go to Iran. Ven., Darfur, Sudan , Palestine to rub butts with these people. His talk will not help the Jew's but hurt them. Don't believe this double talk, Just remember his true friend's the racist Preacher, Farrakan , and his be-loved wife. Friends like these we don't need. Democrats wake up or we will see John McCain in office and four more yrs of this war.

Kris In Atlanta   April 11th, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Wow, I remember a time when the Republicans were the big spenders. Maybe I'm old. Or maybe people really feel that the future of America lies with either Hill or Bama and that McCain is nothing but Bush Lite wrapped in old newspaper. Keep those dollars going...

Go Dems in 2009!

NBC   April 11th, 2008 9:30 pm ET

Hillary, Please tell us Why you supported NAFTA during Bills term in office? Hillary tell my why #1 PENN was working on free trade in Columbia and you knew nothing about it? Hillary are you using money in your campaign via MONIES PAYED TO BILL from work done for the FREE TRADE AGREEMENT in COLUMBIA!!! You forgot to tell them that if you get into office they're gonna have to keep roll'n those sleeves higher and higher. I guess they were happy to loose jobs. I guess that depends on what the meaning of IS.....IS.

Pennsylvania Democrat   April 11th, 2008 9:29 pm ET

I think every democrat supporter there is can agree on one thing. Whether you want Hillary or Obama, THIS MAN stands for another 4 years of the Bush Presidency, and the people cannot allow him to get elected

ron   April 11th, 2008 9:27 pm ET

Funny McCain has a ex Lobbyist working full time on his campaign. He should have enough ties to raise fund to get elected. Is McCain to tired to work for the funding and just want handed to him, or is he a Socialist at heart everyone gets the same

PF Florida   April 11th, 2008 9:21 pm ET

Oh Hilary! Get real! Are you in the "Desperate times call for desperate messures" kick? Talk about more imprtant issues. Oh by the way, Pennselvanias should wake up !!! You say you defend Unions and while you were part of the Board at Walmart, you and your collegues on the Board did NOT allow Unios! That makes me BITTER.

Ilona Proud Canadian   April 11th, 2008 9:17 pm ET

Brian you are a poet and you don't know it. Thanks for making me chuckle.

Ralph   April 11th, 2008 9:12 pm ET

I still think Hillary should hop onto McCain's ticket as VP. They are both republicans, she thinks he would make a great commander-in-chief, and feminists everywhere will have a woman to vote for.

Nader   April 11th, 2008 9:02 pm ET

WHO IS GOING TO BET MONEY ON OLD HORSE?

Todd from Michigan   April 11th, 2008 8:53 pm ET

Obama's plan: Cling to our guns and religion, while we blame illegals and trade agreements for our job loss. Obama's recent showing of his true elitist colors should free up some public support for John McCain.

Patriot   April 11th, 2008 8:31 pm ET

All the money in the World will not win Obama the Presidency.

Clinton Democrats will go Republican and so will Hispanics.

Beware of the wolf in sheeps clothing.

kathleen retired Professional w/woman for obama   April 11th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

"We will remember you!!! If you say your are a Republican!!!
I will be surprised if there is any Repulsive Republican in
office when this is over. They ruined our Country rallying behind
insanity. Yes, they rallied for an insane man.

voice that matters   April 11th, 2008 8:23 pm ET

Senator Hillary is looking for away out of her messes of lies, she want to find fault with Obama at all cost, even if she has to twist, spin it so that it will look bad for Obama.

Shame on you Hillary stick to your own words.
She will not stop at nothing.

So what is wrong when someone said people are bitter that their jobs are being ship oversea??
CNN I guess Hillary has paid you some money to portray this as an issues.

That is not a lie and i will be bitter too if I lost my job.

Thank you CNN the truth is bitter too. CNN please get us a better news.
Take the truth as honest as it is said.

Mary   April 11th, 2008 8:22 pm ET

What they don't need is a leader that will lie to them. This lady is not what she pretends to be.

FEDUP   April 11th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

Once again the Obama-bots show their ignorance. The $3.00 box on your tax return is just you directing the IRS to give that portion of your taxes to campaign financing. It is not an additional $3.00.

voice that matters   April 11th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

Senator Hillary is looking for away out of her messes of lies, she want to find fault with Obama at all cost, even if she has to twist, spin it so that it will look bad for Obama.

Shame on you Hillary stick to your own words.
She will not stop at nothing.

So what is wrong when someone said people are bitter that their jobs are being ship oversea??
CNN I guess Hillary has paid you some money to portray this as an issues.

That is not a lie and i will be bitter too if I lost my job.

Thank you CNN the truth is bitter too.

Suraj   April 11th, 2008 8:18 pm ET

For this same reason this empire is crumbling from inside out!!! we just don't like to hear the truth... everything he said is a fact... what is wrong with that he has said? Wake Up America....

Me, Brooklyn, NY   April 11th, 2008 8:16 pm ET

After Obama's comments about why the "bitter” rural America residents turn to religion, guns and become anti-illegal immigration and anti-trade, I don't want even hear his name anymore. He is done with his bid for The President and lost already. What a stupid remark which show that he is a huge fraud. Anyone who doesn't see that is illusional.

Ian   April 11th, 2008 8:14 pm ET

Pretty sad when even Ron Paul can completely outraise McCain. He broke a fundraising record, and has more donations from those in active service than all the other candidates combined. I think McCain is in trouble.

Ed   April 11th, 2008 8:13 pm ET

If there is a shady way to get money Mccain would know how to get at it he could put the bite on the american public like he did in the Keating crooked deal and fly around with female HOSTS in corporate jets. America knows this John Mccain as well as they know the war monger who thinks nothing of having American kids lose there life.

Kay   April 11th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

Ask Obama who is Larry Sinclair

J. Forbes, Texas Independent   April 11th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

Mr. Stan man from ID, when did the election year change? I thought it was '08, not '09 as you said it was. Maybe Obama supporters are so out of touch from reality (through being mesmerized by Obama's empty speeches) that they don't know what year the election will be held.

(Why does CNN never print my comments??)

Ed   April 11th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

Barack knows that its important to get into the White House. Then worry about whether or not he cheated on campaign financing to get there. He is simply staying focused on the goal. Even if it mean to cheat, beg, lie, borrow or steal to get there.

is it necessary   April 11th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

Mccain should be in a retirement home please

SUE, Michigan   April 11th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

The only "doom and gloom" is coming from McCain-the only thing he knows is war..why would he consider peace? He's expecting his military escapades to propel him right into the White House, where he can finish Bush's business in Iran. God save us from ourselves! Hillary is the only one with any sense, and the media is not about to have her win.

Kristi   April 11th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

He's a JOKE, his FAKE attempt to help the American people is a JOKE and his 2nd attempt to run for President is a JOKE.

Charlotte Campbell   April 11th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Play Hillary saying she does not find that oeople bitter, then play her saying she is angry abck on bakc. That is so funny.

Jim in San Jose   April 11th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

If you agree to take public funding all the time plotting to use funding sources outside of the controls, then what's the point? Does it really matter that you are using public funding? If public funding meant that the only funds you could spend, OR HAVE SPENT FOR YOU, were limited then it would mean something. As John McCain intends to use it, it means NOTHING.

kathy salerno   April 11th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

I can not believe that this news agency just posted a question asking if "Senator Obama's comments reveal his elitist attitude?" What the heck! That automatically presupposes he has one! When is our country going to grow up? He made an observation regarding a large segment of our population – trying to explain this pervasive feeling in the country. It wasn't a critque. Obviously we can't speak truth without someone whining about it. Just like kids in school – don't tell them the truth – just pat them on the head. Nothing changes.

Rosemary   April 11th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

Doesn' t America know what cling to your guns mean Obama is not talking about a real gun the phrase mean hold on to what you have. I am shocked at the babyboomers in America.

J. Lazzara   April 11th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

When are you guys going to start being fair to Clinton on the Bosnia thing? Your own guy sitting in for your 'best analysts on T.V.' one night, said he wrote a book about her...and that it was true that when she went to Bosnia the Military had told them to put on their flak jackets or whatever because they could be landing under sniper fire. Now if I was told that, that's what I'd remember 10 years later, 10 minutes later, whether or not there were any bullets coming at me. The fear would make an indelible impression. C'mon guys, be fair. Obama really isn't Elvis in black.

scott   April 11th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

anyone else ever notice if is a anti-bama artical they close up quickly or if its anti-hillary it ends up staying open forever? this happenes to be McCain so it wont have many and will also close soon

terri   April 11th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

Dick Cheney is eligible to be a vice presidential running mate to John McCain. Why doesn't anyone mention him on the speculative short list? There is no law against it. law actually doe not set term limits for the VP.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   April 11th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

Tell "Daddy War Bucks" McCain that his fundraising plan is none and void.

Spider   April 11th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

Obama's plan: Uh.......Hope, Change. I agree with Hillary.

jeremy   April 11th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

whatever John. cry foul because you can't raise funds. just imagine how he would be in office. can't tell the difference between sunni and shiite, didn't think MLK deserved a holiday, will keep us in Iraq fighting forever.

McCain= extension of the Bush administration

latrecia wallace   April 11th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

we are all bitter, gas is 3.50 a gallon, milk is 4.00, bread is 2.00
we cant even make a whole meal these days..

Chuck in Oregon   April 11th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

So funny. Your crying about Obama maybe not going to public funds, then on the other hand your finding ways to go around and hedge the system to find more money that you can legally use? Wow. Something is wrong with this picture.

Brian M   April 11th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

At least these people are open minded – wide open ear to ear

Phoenix   April 11th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Clinton all the way...enough of the Republican running our country...enough of their lies and narrow point of view..its time for an end to this atrocities.

CHERYL   April 11th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

SENATOR CLINTON CAN BEAT McCAIN!!!!

AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED OBAMA IS OUT!!!!!

TO MUCH NEGATIVITY THAT SURROUNDS HIM!!!!

HILLARY IS OUR SAVIOR!!!!!!

SHE HAS SAID THE SAME THING SINCE THE BEGINNING!!!!!!

AND SHE STAYS CALM AND FOCUSED!!!!!!!!!

HILLARY CLINTON GETS MY VOTE!!!!!!!!!

Brian   April 11th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

McCain's plan: No taxes for the rich, enslave the poor. fight in Iraq until the United States is no more!

SDO   April 11th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

My comment was meant for Hillary Clinton.

Darth Vadik, CA   April 11th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

What a waste of money those donations will be....

Gorbashov, Long Beach, Ca.   April 11th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

McSame tells his dysfunctional party:

"We are going to get thumped in fundraising, so I am going to except public funds.................something you all abhore"!

Sincerely,

Flip McSame

SDO   April 11th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

You are a piece of work. You always make personal attacks on Obama, he only attacks you on the issues. You are too petty to be the President of the US.

Sharon Minnesota   April 11th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

Maybe when Hillary gets the nomination he can borrow some money from the defunct Obama campaign.

James   April 11th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

McCain has already lost to Obama.

Stan, ID   April 11th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

He doesn't have a plan other than get your wallets out because there will be another war.

And for the record, he is NOT my friend.

Obama 09

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