John McCain shakedown update

Recently we noted that John McCain was abusing his power as chairman of the Senate's Indian Affairs Committee to hold a hearing for no reason except to remind tribal leaders that he has the power to "review" the Indian Gaming Act. Unspoken--but heard loud and clear--was the senator's threat to impose costly new restrictions on Indian casinos. The reason for the hearing, in other words, was to generate lots of donations to the senator's re-election campaign committee.

Of course, the senator doesn't accept cash right there in the hearing room.

Check out this paragraph from the AP's story about tonight's big GOP fundraiser:

"Events Tuesday include a reception and luncheon with Vice President Dick Cheney; a lunch with Arizona Sen. John McCain, chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee; and a breakfast with Mississippi Sen. Trent Lott, chairman of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee."

Pay the cashier, gentlemen. Nice casino you've got there, it'd be a shame if anything should happen to it.


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