McCain Says He Doesn't Remember Meeting With Broadcaster

By: Andante Higgins
Topics: John McCain

(CBS)

From CBS News' Andante Higgins:

ROCKY RIVER, OHIO -- John McCain said he "didn't recall" meeting with broadcaster and campaign contributor Lowell "Bud" Paxson before he sent letters to the Federal Communications Commission asking them to reach a conclusion on his TV ownership case. "The most important thing is the letter I wrote that said, 'Do not make any decision either way, for either person, or either party,'" McCain said.

But Paxson contradicted McCain's claim that they never met. He says he did meet with the Senator, and Newsweek found a transcript of a deposition from 2002 where McCain is listed as saying "I was contacted by Mr. Paxson on this issue."

McCain's denial has now morphed into a poor recollection of events. "I don't recall," McCain said when asked to clarify he met with Paxson. "And I've said everything that I have to say on it, it was eight or nine years ago," he added.

McCain went on to explain his oversight duties as chair of the commerce committee were to move bureaucracies in Washington forward. "If there's some inordinate delay of some 800 days then it's entirely appropriate to ask a bureaucracy to function, that's the oversight responsibility," he said. "I'm proud to have led on campaign finance reform, on ethics reform, never taking a single earmark project in the 24 years I've been in Congress. I am proud of my record of reform that I have sought and fought for and achieved to a large degree."

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by twocanpete February 25, 2008 11:16 PM EST: Can you say VICKIGATE! Juan needs to get out of way and let Huckabee win the election in November.

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/; Reply to this comment


by akprayingmom February 25, 2008 10:39 PM EST: We need to cut out lobbyists on Capital Hill. There are 3 lobbyists for every Congressman. The lobbyists do not represent constituents. They represent special interest groups. We don''t need a president who relies on lobbyists to run his campaign. Mike Huckabee is what we need to revitalize this country. He knows how to work hard and get the important things done like lowering taxes, improving education and roads. He will protect our national sovereignty and strengthen our military. And He also knows we have to have fun too. He knows we need to have creativity, imagination & ingenuity. Let''s elect someone with real governing experience. Let''s elect someone who has proven he can balance a budget and is not in debt. Let''s elect a true fiscal and social conservative. Don''t let media and Washington insiders tell us how to vote, just to line their own pockets. Let''s elect Mike Huckabee. Hang in there Mike, we need you! Texas, Ohio, Vermont, & Rhode Island we are counting on you keep the ball rolling clear through to the Convention! ! VOTE HUCKABEE!!; Reply to this comment