April 29, 2008

Return Of The Mack

A trail note of interest to those counting the lobbyists and former lobbyists in John McCain's orbit:

Former U.S. Sen. Connie Mack (R-FL) introduced McCain today at his health care policy event in Florida. Mack is chairman of the board of directors of the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, where McCain's event was held. Mack is also, we should note, a registered state lobbyist, working for Liberty Partners of Florida and, drumroll, advocating for health insurance companies.

According to the official site of the Florida Legislature, Mack is registered in 2008 to lobby for Prestige Health Choice, a Florida company. The co. is "filing to become approved by the state of Florida as a Provider Service Network," and according to a company release dated Nov. 16, 2007, "Prestige will first provide Medicaid managed care services to Florida residents."

So, wait, let's review: McCain held an event today to roll out his health care policy during which he was introduced by a former U.S. Senator, and friend, who is now a lobbyist for the health care industry.

The McCain campaign lobbied On Call feverishly to tank the post. Spokesman Tucker Bounds said this item "borders on ludicrous, absurd and ridiculous."

“Breaking news Hotline readers, former U.S. Senator Connie Mack introduced colleague and friend John McCain today at the non-profit Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, where just-so-happens, Senator Mack chairs the board of directors," Bounds said in an email. "Holy smokes readers, On Call on the case!”

But it seems suspect to us that McCain, who is already struggling to counter the image that he's too cozy with lobbyists, wouldn't think twice before allowing a health care lobbyist to introduce him on the very day he debuts his health care proposal. Let Mack sit quietly in the audience -- or, heaven forbid, pick another location for the rollout.

(JENNIFER SKALKA)

Posted at 05:01 PM

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Comments

In addition to the lobbyist angle, it appears that McCain may have put the tax-exempt status of the Moffitt Center at risk. Its 501(c)(3) status requires that it refrain from directly or indirectly participating in political campaign activities. Yet it allowed its facilities to be used for a what is undeniably a campaign event. Even if the McCain campaign reimbursed for use of the organization's facilities ("plausible deniability"), the participation of the Moffitt Center's Board Chair indelibly ties the organization itself to the campaign event.

archer510 | 05.01.08 03:22 PM

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