08/28/2002 Archived Entry: "McCain's Word"

So in John McCain's new book, he says about a run for the Presidency: I did not get to be president of the United States. And I doubt I shall have reason or opportunity to try again. Well, I don't know. I think his dream still lingers, just a little... About a month ago, I got a new "Straight Talk America" 2002 membership (#00113663) card to replace my "charter member" card from 2001, following a few contributions I made to his 2000 candidacy. The thing is, last year it was just this cheap laminated card, this year it's like a plastic credit-card. The latest mailing includes the questionnaire tabs on the cover-- "Did you know Congress is using federal funds -your tax dollars- on war profiteering?" The bogeyman is Boeing, from whom the Air Force is leasing 100 refueling tankers for $20 billion, and then after 10 years returning all the planes to Boeing. Besides the obvious question of isn't that the way a lease works? I have another angle of chit with McCain that I'd spit out. The lambaste is to "stand with STA to work against the war profiteers"... how? But of course, through my most generous contribution. You know, McCain would be preferable to Bush by a hell of a lot more than 3 miles. Nevertheless, the mailings' gist --plastic credit-card membership gizmo, while soliciting under the guise of attacking the war profiteers-- reeks of toast.... You want the kicker? Who do the Dems have in AZ to run against Jane Hull in 2004?

Replies: 5 comments

As a Arizona resident I can tell you that Jane Hull isn't running for anything in 2004. She is term limited for governor this year and is so unpopular, that in 2004, there is no chance of her running for Senate.
Expect JD Hayworth to run for Senate when McCain retires in 2004, and, he'll probably win.....uhhh....sick.

Posted by freetempe @ 08/29/2002 12:29 AM PST

Perhaps if Udall wins the open House seat, he can run for the Senate in 2004. Richardson, who is likely to win the other open House seat would also be a good candidate.

Posted by myDD @ 08/29/2002 03:28 AM PST

I fully expect McCain to retire in 2004. This will make for a very competitive Senate seat in 2004. I think if Napalitano can pull off a victory in the Governor's race this year, that would bode well for Democrat's chances at gaining this seat in 2004.

Posted by Ced @ 08/29/2002 06:36 AM PST

myDD--
The problem with Boeing was supposed to be the cost of the lease. http://www.bailoutwatch.org/boeinglease.htm
"At the end of the ten-year lease, the new 767 converted tankers would have to be reconverted into commercial tankers before returning them to Boeing. The Air Force would be at a net loss of a hundred tankers and thus might face a shortage as early as 2015. The Office of Management and Budget estimates the price tag of pursuing such an option at $26 billion. The Congressional Budget Office suggested a slightly lower estimate of $24 billion. Still, both figures surpass estimates for an outright purchase or a lease with Airbus, a European manufacturer for large commercial airliners."
This is from an advocacy site, but it gives you an idea what the complaint is.

Posted by Matt Weiner @ 09/01/2002 06:41 AM PST

Thanks for the clarıfıcatıon Matt

Posted by MyDD @ 09/03/2002 10:40 AM PST