McCain denounces third-party ad favorable to him

Republican presidential candidate John McCain has criticized a group that began running a television ad favorable to the Arizona Senator but violates campaign finance rules McCain has long supported.

The ad, funded by Foundation for a Secure and Prosperous America and airing on Fox News Channel only in South Carolina, urges lawmakers to pass the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act. The bill would try to correct many of the problems veterans have had in receiving medical care, including creating health care advisers and advocates.

But the ad uses many images of McCain, and the ad's creator told The New York Times that many of its members support McCain's presidential run.

McCain has long opposed the use of third-party campaign ads, known as "soft money" because donation amounts are not capped as they are for donations to campaigns and may not be disclosed to the public. McCain urged the group's founder, Rick Reed, to stop airing the ads.

"I have long opposed the use of soft money by independent groups trying to influence elections," McCain said in a news release. "It is a position I hold without reservation. Anyone who believes they could assist my campaign by exploiting a loophole in campaign finance laws is doing me and our country a disservice.

"If you respect me or my principles, I urge you to refrain from using my name and image in any ads or other activities. I will not win this election, nor would I want to win it, by acquiescing in anyone's attempt to put my campaign before my principles."

Rival campaign's noted the irony of the ad supporting McCain, calling his condemnation disingenuous.

The legal use of such ads has expanded after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down this summer a portion of the campaign finance law that McCain co-authored. After the court's decision, issue ads can now run right up to election day and may mention a candidate by name.

However, the ads may not say to vote for or against a candidate and must argue on behalf of an issue.

McCain is campaigning in South Carolina today, with a stop scheduled at the Lexington County Republican Party Bronze Elephant dinner this evening.

Comments

[shawn sparling]

McCain/Kennedy/Graham
PRO-/ILLEGAL-/IMMIGRATION.