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
Straight talk?
"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"
lol……..there goes all that "straight talk" out of their own private jet window!!!
Maybe because he saved some money is why everyone is upset?
To wordsseldomsaid:
Agreed. although I am an Obama supporter, this is nothing. Let's keep our eye on the ball, not on non-issues.
The Straight-Talk Express lost another wheel...
Hey, how about some fairness here!
Has CNN even tried to find out how much Barack pays when he uses Michele's jet?
And he and Senator Clinton have the nerve to call Senator Obama an elitist. Go figure!
I don't see anything illegal, unethical or immoral here. i won't vote for the man but that's for other reasons.
And with that answer the press will not approach the subject again, just like they dont with his pastor problems, his temper, his stance on torture, taxes.........I mean come on he has good BBQ,
MCWARS CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM IS HE CAN DO IT,
BUT THE OTHER CANDIDATES CAN'T, IN A NUT SHELL.
THESE TWO ARE JANKIE. HIS WIFE USED OTHER PEOPLES
PRESCRIPTION PILLS, WITH ALL HER MONEY. SHE HAD
TOROBED THE POOR, & GOT AWAY WITH IT.
GOOGLE MCWAR.
Obama uses private jet paid for by his campaign donors, McCain uses private owned by his wife and it is LEGAL!
Are you Obama koolaid drinkers envious Cindy McCain is filthy rich?......ROTFLMAO!
Prior to that, McCain uses commercial flight while campaigning.
Use private jet John, that is LEGAL! I am ALL for it!!
The War Hero apparently puts himself above others in many more ways thasn we will ever know. Between his separately filed tax return and promises to keep our sons and daughters in Iraq forever, and now this, McCain is proving himself to be as much a poltician as those he criticizes.
He's a pathetic figure already and now just bastardizing whatever legacy he might have left, by making this tired gasp for one last moment in the political sun.
WJS-You are criticizing Obama b/c people who have NEVER donated to a Presidential campaign before actually want to donate to him? Wow.......you know you're doing well when people start hating on you for no good reason.
Yeah, right! McCain is no Mister sqeaky clean.
Release your wifes taxes McCain, this is one example of why this must happen. Also, the public must be sure that there have not been large "favours" that will have to be paid back.
And Madam Billary is helping him attempt to discredit the candidate
who wants to run an honest campaign.
Voters stay alert & focused. you will see many sleight of hands & smoke screens !!
McCain is old politics
You Begat what you Get.. THis is Not the Beginning of the end, But it's close.. A Melting Pot... Without the Pot..
But, didn't McCain help write the law that contained the particular loophole he has taken advantage of? Not every candidate has a spouse who has a jet to lend.
I can think of word starting like "hyp" and ending in "crite" to describe JM
Obama's out of touch?
If it was legal and cheaper......BRAVO!!!...........the man is using "good sense". That's the kind of man this country needs to lead it.
It certainly was perfectly legal......and elitist.
Hmmm.... and Obama's the elitist?
McCains' Net Worth: 45 mil
Clintons' Net Worth: 41.4 mil
Obamas' Net Worth: 1.3 mil
Am I missing something?
Wow, it must be a slow day on the McCain campaign trail.
Isn't there some other more interesting incendiary anti-Republican soundbyte the media can play up?
Good for him. Go ahead and use the plane.