az_sen_McCAIN
SEN. JOHN McCAIN
Age: 52 Born: August 29, 1936 in the Panama Canal Zone Education: U.S. Naval Academy, B.S.(1958); National War College (1973-74) Military: U.S. Navy (1958-81); served in Vietnam Family: Married - Cindy; six children Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona Religion: Episcopalian Career: U.S. Senator (1986-present); U.S. House of Representatives (1982-1986); Director, Navy Senate Liaison Office (1977-81) |
· Republican Incumbent, Sen. John McCain was elected in 1986 after serving two terms in the House. In 1982, he succeeded 30-year incumbent, retiring Republican Sen. John Rhodes.
· McCain served as a Navy pilot during the Vietnam War. While flying over North Vietnam, his plane was shot down, and he spent five and a half years as a Prisoner of War. He is the son and grandson of Navy admirals. His personal story is told in NightingaleÂ's Song.
· During his Senate career, McCain has made several trips back to Vietnam. He has worked with closely with Democrat John Kerry to investigate possible POWs still being held. McCain also played a key role in the re-establishment of diplomatic and trade relations with Vietnam.
· In 1997, Time magazine named McCain one of the "Top 25 Most Influential People in America" in 1997. He is listened to on defense issues. McCain favored ending the arms embargo to Bosnia, but opposed sending American pilots.
· McCain was the co-sponsor of the 1996 McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Reform bill. The legislation was aimed at lowing the cost of TV ads, providing free TV for candidates, and banning PACs and soft money.
· Proposals like a finance reform and a tobacco tax in 1997, havenÂ't won maverick McCain friends within his party. The tobacco industryÂ's ad campaign, opposing te legislation, may have been responsible for the billÂ's failure.
· In 1996, McCain initially supported Sen. Phil Gramm. After Gramm dropped out of the race, McCain traveled with Bob Dole. At the Republican Convention, McCain delivered DoleÂ's nomination speech. He is a possible Presidential candidate in 2000.
· The Senate Ethics Committee criticized McCain for showing poor judgement in the Keating Five matter. He returned the campaign loans from Keating and ended all contact.