Sen. McCain was joined by his wife, Cindy, at a Florida press conference Sunday. (AP Photo)
(CNN) - Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, didn't waste a lot of verbiage reacting to the New York Times report on his use of a private jet belonging to his wife's company for campaign trips - at less cost than normal charter flights
At a news conference in Coral Gables, Florida, McCain used just eight words to respond to a reporter's question before moving on. "What we did was perfectly legal and appropriate," McCain said. The Arizona senator didn't answer the part of the reporter's question about whether the use of plane contradicted McCain's stance on campaign finance reform.
There is nothing illegal about what McCain did. Under a law which McCain supported, presidential candidates are now required to pay charter rates rather than just less expensive commercial first class rates when they use corporate jets. But under an FEC exemption, candidates don't have TO reimburse full costs if the plane is owned BY a candidate, a candidate's family, or by a privately held company controlled by a candidate or a candidate's family member. (The FEC has tried to end the family exemption, but didn't have enough sitting commissioners to change the rule, according to the Times report.)
The Times story said McCain used the jet over a 7-month period starting last summer, mostly for campaign trips. The campaign paid $241,149 for the trips.far less than the cost for normal charter trips.
Why are some raising questions over it? The Times reported some campaign finance experts said using the exemption goes against the spirit of the new law, and McCain has championed campaign finance reform. McCain had also said he didn't plan to use his wife's wealth to help with the campaign last summer.
From CNN Politics
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
While not technically illegal, it's still arguably immoral and goes against what McCain generally claims to stand for.
If this is the best dirt the NYT can throw at McCain he is going to have a cakewalk to the White House!
Obviously John McCain uses the system as much as anyone, but wants us to believe that he is mister ethical. He's conforming himself to be more acceptible to Republicans because his main goal, as it's always been, is to be president.
Your vote to invade another country was legal, also. Was it right?
Cant believe the speech by Obama's former pastor...Now for sure I will not vote for him...go Mccain!!!
SO YOU SAY JOHNNY MC. BUT THAT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
Shame! Shame, i am sure there is going to be more coming our way Johnny me Boy, Skeletons always love coming out of the closet...This is just a premier of what were going to find out! bwah ha HA
"I can't afford a plane ticket, so I took my wife's private plane". WHAT?
yo yo yo
If he wants to sponge off his wife, why not?
McBush has spoken!!
The truth ain't in you, or your party!
This is truly pethetic. I am a democrat and think this is stupid. Issues poeple not stuff like this..the difference in stances are what is being debated not how he gets from point A to point B. come on..............
sounds like a clinton mccain-bush expanation
Do we really want this guy as president? I don't. Another conservative hypocrite.
Unlike Hillary, who is in debt and probably will stiff her campaign employees while she goes home to her 109 million. LOL
Report on news that matters please.
Lotsa things are legal – but not necessarily "prudent."
Do as I say not as I do.
Like Senator Clinton, Senator John McCain both broke the FEC election law owever, the news will not report this......
Why is that?
Pure Hypocracy at its best. Mcshame.
hypocrite
mccain a man for the people? not unless you are very, very rich.
Trust McCain at your peril.
Is this surprising? No. So much for straight talk! Not that I blame him though. Why not take advantage of marrying into wealth and spending Barbie's money?
I don't know about you Cindy McCain is proud to be a America that can skirt around laws. Know whose the elicits.
Sounds like typical old style Washington Double talk. Please turn the page on the old guard. Clinton /mccain are the past. Obama is our bridge to the future and back to a Booming Country.
He is another example of the POOR leadership that we have with bush. One rule for him and another for others. Hillary or Obama, Democrats unite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!