A Blog Called Hope

McCain violates agreement with FEC by unilaterally withdrawing from campaign spending program; DNC files official complaint

When the John McCain’s campaign commenced, he entered into an agreement with the FEC. That contract, now the focal point of the complaint filed by the Democratic National Committee, dictated limits on matching funds, campaign spending, and that the FEC must approve any withdrawal from the agreement.

However, John McCain unilaterally withdrew from the arrangement as questions emerged about a $4 million loan acquired by his campaign.

In response to McCain cavalier move, FEC Chairman David Mason sent a letter to the McCain campaign stating that he (McCain) cannot formally withdraw from the system until the FEC obtains more information regarding the terms of a $4 million loan his then cash-strapped campaign obtained last year as well as a formal vote from the commission.

Failing to honor his agreement with the FEC, or the parameters of campaign spending program, John McCain asserted that the letter from the FEC Chairman was, “Not a decision. It’s an opinion.”

Today, Howard Dean issued a statement as the Democratic National Committee formally filed a complaint with the FEC.

“The law is very clear. He can not withdraw if he has used the promise of matching funds as collateral for his loan. John McCain cannot unilaterally withdrawal from the spending limitations.” -Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean.

For more on this, visit the Democratic Party, MSNBC, and the Wall Street Journal.

Obama and DNC announce that they will no longer accept Washington lobbyist donations

With just under five months remaining until election day, and as the race between Senator Obama and Senator McCain begins to heat up, the DNC has followed Senator Obama’s lead and will no longer accept Washington lobbyist donations.

“We will not take a dime from Washington lobbyists or special interest PACS – we’re going to change how Washington works. They will not fund my party, they will not run our White House, and they will not drown out the voice of the American people when I am president of the United States of America,” Senator Barack Obama. [ABC News]

“Our presumptive nominee has pledged not to take donations from Washington lobbyists and from today going forward the DNC makes that pledge as well. The American people’s priorities will set the agenda in an Obama Administration, not the special interests.” -DNC Chairman Howard Dean [Boston Globe]