John McCain and the Boeing DealIt's hilarious how hard the libs are stretching to smear John McCain, because every time they try, then end up helping him. Case in point: Sam Stein's
column at the HuffnPuff today:
McCain, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, played a crucial role in blocking the deal to build air tankers from going to U.S.-based Boeing, instead paving the path for EADS to score the loot. He framed his decision as an example of political integrity; Boeing has previously been exposed of contract abuse. But a review of campaign finance donations and lobbying records suggests that money and personal lobbying may have also been in play.
Stein establishes that McCain received about $15,000 in campaign contributions from EADS. That's right, fifteen thousand. Apparently Sam thinks this some kind of princely sum. And he glides over why Boeing didn't get the deal:
Finnegan was referring to McCain's 2003 investigation into Boeing's billing practices and lock on the tanker business. That investigation resulted in the company losing out on a $23 billion deal to lease tankers to the Air Force.
And why did Boeing lose out? You won't find it in Stein's column; for that you have to look over at
the National Review:
When McCain finally received the e-mails, the Boeing tanker deal exploded. The investigation revealed malfeasance, resulting in a $615 million fine for the company. Boeing’s CEO, Phil Condit, was forced to resign. The company’s CFO was sent to prison. Darleen Druyun, who had served as the second-ranking civilian official for Air Force procurement, also went to prison. She pled guilty in 2004 to steering the tanker contract and other deals toward Boeing in the hopes of later securing lucrative jobs with the company for herself and her family members.
Gee, what's a little thing like that, compared to FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS!
Labels: Boeing, John McCain
