Robert Bennett on John McCain and Keating Five: 'Pure Politics'

Democratic Counsel Robert Bennett on John McCain and Keating Five: 'Pure Politics'

"After reviewing my report, the committee voted on October 23, 1990, to hold a public adjudicatory fact-finding hearing in the matter as to all five senators. This was perhaps the first time the recommendation of a special counsel not to charge a senator was rejected. This was pure politics as the Democrats on the committee did not want to cut McCain loose so that only Democrats would remain in the proceedings. If Senator McCain was not going to be cut loose, in retaliation the Republicans were going to keep Senator Glenn in the proceedings. McCain was the victim of politics, and poor Glenn was held captive to the decision on McCain. So much for nonpartisanship." -- Democratic Keating Investigation Counsel Robert Bennett

This clears things up.

MEDIA ADVISORY, October 6 /Standard Newswire/ -- The following is democratic counsel Robert Bennett on John McCain and Keating Five: 'Pure Politics':

In The Ring: The Trials Of A Washington Lawyer,
By Robert S. Bennett
Random House, 2008
Pgs. 133 134

"At the completion of my investigation, I filed my report with the committee. I recommended that no further action be taken against Senators McCain and Glenn principally because once they learned that there was a criminal referral, they stopped aggressively doing Keating's bidding with the regulators."

"After reviewing my report, the committee voted on October 23, 1990, to hold a public adjudicatory fact-finding hearing in the matter as to all five senators. This was perhaps the first time the recommendation of a special counsel not to charge a senator was rejected. This was pure politics as the Democrats on the committee did not want to cut McCain loose so that only Democrats would remain in the proceedings. If Senator McCain was not going to be cut loose, in retaliation the Republicans were going to keep Senator Glenn in the proceedings. McCain was the victim of politics, and poor Glenn was held captive to the decision on McCain. So much for nonpartisanship."

"Although the public airing of the factual details helped confirm why Senators McCain and Glenn should be exonerated of ethics charges, it hurt DeConcini, Cranston, and Riegle."

FLASHBACK: Two Former Democrat Senators "Hurt" By Keating Affair Have Endorsed Barack Obama

In April 2008, Former Sen. Don Riegle Endorsed Barack Obama. "Today, Former United States Senator Don Riegle endorsed Barack Obama, citing his ability to unite Americans and bring real change for middle class families and workers. Former Senator Riegle said, 'Barack Obama has the vision, intellect, and strength of character to best unite and lead our country at this critical time.' Senator Obama said, 'I'm grateful today to have the support of former Senator Riegle, who for decades served the people of Michigan and fought to make life better for working families across the state. He opposed policies that stood in the way of progress for our economy, and worked to give our veterans the respect and fair treatment they deserve. I'm proud to have his support today as we continue to build our movement for change and unite people from all walks of life in this campaign.' Riegle represented Michigan in the United States Senate for 18 years (1977 - 1994) and as a Member of the United States House of Representatives for ten years (1967 to 1976)." (Obama For America, "Former Senator Don Riegle Endorses Barack Obama," Press Release, 4/19/08)

Link: http://www.barackobama.com/2008/04/19/former_senator_don_riegle_endo.php

In February 2008, Former Sen. Dennis DeConcini (D-AZ) Endorsed Barack Obama. "Two prominent former Arizona officeholders are splitting their support in the Democratic presidential race. Former U.S. Sen. Dennis DeConcini on Thursday endorsed Barack Obama while former state Superintendent of Public Instruction Carolyn Warner announced her support for Hillary Rodham Clinton. DeConcini is a former three-term senator who left office in 1995. He said he's deeply impressed with Obama's capability and political skills." ("DeConcini Backs Obama, Warner Favors Clinton," The Associated Press, 2/1/08)

Will the lib media highlight this?

Not a chance.