McCain Takes on DeLay Accomplice

[kentuck]

http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/000137.php

<snip>

There have been a number of signs lately that Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), eyeing 2008, is cozying up to the Republican establishment, but this just might be the surest one yet.

The Washington Post reported yesterday that McCain had hired Terry Nelson to be a senior advisor to his political committee, the Straight Talk America PAC. Who is Terry Nelson? George W. Bush's national political director in 2004, for one. It's just the latest example of McCain's strategy of taking what he can of Bush's money infrastructure - as the Post reports, he's been busily recruiting Pioneers, Rangers and Super Rangers from '04.

But there's one crucial, telling detail about Terry Nelson that the Post leaves out. And that's his role in the money laundering scheme for which Tom DeLay is being prosecuted down in Texas.

Nelson was the deputy chief of staff of the Republican National Committee in 2002 when the alleged crime occurred. His role was crucial, although he hasn't been charged. He's named right there in the indictment.

....more

[MadMaddie]

1. I guess the neocon criminal association...

is cool in Repug circles. This proves how corrupt they are and that they are willing to do anything to win!!

[MH1]

2. Terry Nelson...creep...

In 2005, Nelson helped launch an astroturf firm named Crosslink Strategy Group:

Nelson and his partners at DMNM launched another firm this year, Crosslink Strategy Group, to manufacture “grassroots” campaigns for corporations and interest groups. Ironically, the firm’s website pledges to teach clients how to “increase your PAC fundraising” and ensure “compliance with campaign finance laws.” There is no mention that one of Crosslink’s founders is an uncharged conspirator in TRMPAC’s alleged money laundering scheme. Crosslink also employs Chris LaCivita, who helped design Swift Boat Veterans for Truth’s anti-Kerry ads, which some analysts said looked like trademark Rove attacks.

Also in 2005, Nelson served as a consultant to the pro-privatization business group Compass, to run its “grassroots” Social Security privatization campaign.

From "Delay's Beautiful Laundrette" by Andrew Wheat, Texas Observer, 10/21/2005 issue

http://www.texasobserver.org/showArticle.asp?ArticleID=2055

Edit to add: the Texas Observer article is EXCELLENT. Recommended reading.

[karynnj]

4. McCain hit the jackpot

Hiring a company that skirts his campaign finance law and is associated with the swift boat liars. He really is a slimeball.

[flpoljunkie]

3. Thanks for the post, kentuck. Must read. K&R

[TayTay]

5. McCain hires guy with Swift Boat Smear Group ties

Imagine that. Not only is McCain spineless on account of his own family but he also lacks honor on supporting other vets. Why am I not surprised.

[AndyTiedye]

6. McCain is Way Too Old and Infirm To Survive Long as President

Is this how they get in some real Fundie nutbar who could never get elected?
Pay close attention to who runs as VP under McCain when he is nominated.

It may be that McCain would only be President for a few months before resigning "for health reasons".

[DeepModem Mom]

7. K&R -- and added to DMM's Journal list of recommended posts. nt

[Canuckistanian]

8. Maverick my ass....

He's in so deep, he knows what Little Boots had for lunch.

I hear he has his own suite in there...

[ProSense]

9. McSleaze

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2518269&mesg_id=2518269

[AtomicKitten]

10. McCain's nose up Republican establishment's ass.

How thoroughly disgusting! Any positive aspect of "maverick" has just turned to sleeze.

He'll be way easier to beat this way.

[Toots]

11. It's a Crime Syndicate for Christ's sake. They're all guilty as sin

The GOP is America's new Mafia only bigger and better.

[acmavm]

12. McCain must be going back to his old ways (like during his days

of association with Charles Keating). And apparently he feels he can be brazen and blatent about it.