LA Times: McCain could have a conflict brewing

[Coexist]

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-hensley22-2008jun22,0,4794559.story

His wife, Cindy McCain, owns a beer distribution company that has engaged in lobbying. As senator he's recused himself from alcohol issues, but as president he wouldn't be able to.

<snip>
The company has opposed such groups as Mothers Against Drunk Driving in fighting proposed federal rules requiring alcohol content information on every package of beer, wine and liquor.

Its executives, including John McCain's son Andrew, have written at least 10 letters in recent years to the Treasury Department, have contributed tens of thousands of dollars to a beer industry political action committee, and hold a seat on the board of the politically powerful National Beer Wholesalers Assn.

Hensley has run afoul of health advocacy groups that have tried to rein in appeals to young drinkers. For example, the company distributes caffeinated alcoholic drinks that public health groups say put young and underage consumers at risk by disguising the effects of intoxication.

I wish I could post more than four paragraphs - please go read it and pass it along!

[ProSense]

1. This is a huge issue.

The McCain campaign issued a statement Friday about the issue, saying that "any decisions going forward will be made when John McCain wins the election and takes office, and not before." Hensley executives declined to comment.

Political analysts said they were astounded that the presumptive Republican nominee had not already addressed the issue.

"You can't run a beer company out of the White House," said Samuel L. Popkin, a political science professor at UC San Diego. "You can't run any company from the White House. McCain is leaving a live hand grenade on the table, a major embarrassment."

Public interest groups that lobby on alcohol issues say it will clearly be inappropriate for the McCain family to continue running or owning the company if McCain is elected.

I really haven't been paying too much attention to Cindy McCain's role, but there is no way for him to get around this unless she gets out.

[Coexist]

3. if the media chooses to look into this thoroughly, it could last several news cycles

this is a really, really big issue - I hope it is treated as such.

[genna]

15. McCain and conflict of interest: sounds like the DNC can take it to him when it gets closer to NOV

[Ian David]

2. We cannot allow Cindy McCain to become "First Trollop." n/t

[Demit]

4. "It is not clear exactly how Cindy McCain could avoid such controversy..."

Well, it would be impossible to avoid if the wife with the conflict of interest were, say, a Democrat. But I'm sure the media will figure out something, to help Cindy with this awful conundrum.

[Coexist]

5. I keep hearing about that asshole Dobson on my tv - but nothing about this.

I'm thinking of emailing it to media outlets, in case they don't follow the news...

[ProSense]

6. The McCains' little alcohol problem

The McCains' little alcohol problem

by MissLaura

Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 07:19:49 AM PDT

John and Cindy McCain's financial and business arrangements have been a goldmine of mini-scandal for the past few months. (Even if they've only garnered half the traditional media coverage that Democrats in the same position would have.)

There was his unethical-but-not-quite-illegal use of her corporate jet. Her refusal to release her tax records. The credit card debt.

But until now, the ramifications of her ownership of a beer distributorship haven't gotten much scrutiny. Ralph Vartabedian at the LA Times lays out the issues, which will deserve further scrutiny. Like the lobbying:

The company has opposed such groups as Mothers Against Drunk Driving in fighting proposed federal rules requiring alcohol content information on every package of beer, wine and liquor.

Its executives, including John McCain's son Andrew, have written at least 10 letters in recent years to the Treasury Department, have contributed tens of thousands of dollars to a beer industry political action committee, and hold a seat on the board of the politically powerful National Beer Wholesalers Assn.

Hensley has run afoul of health advocacy groups that have tried to rein in appeals to young drinkers. For example, the company distributes caffeinated alcoholic drinks that public health groups say put young and underage consumers at risk by disguising the effects of intoxication.

The involvement of McCain's family in federal regulatory issues could create a conflict of interest for a future McCain administration, according to advocacy groups and political analysts. McCain has recused himself for many years on alcohol issues in the Senate. As president, however, McCain would face far more difficulty distancing himself from an issue with such broad scope.

Cindy McCain does not just profit from this activity. She actively oversees it, and has not indicated that she would cease to do so as First Lady.

more

Standing Rules of the Senate RULE XXXVII CONFLICT OF INTEREST

OUTLINE OFRULES OF ETHICS FOR EMPLOYEES AND OFFICIALS OF A SECURITIES REGULATORY AGENCY (PDF)

[Coexist]

10. what a great addition - thanks.

[ProSense]

16. This story should be on the front page. n/t

[Hepburn]

7. IMO, this in and of itself is entitled to its own thread:

Cindy McCain's company lobbies against MADD.

Un-fucking-believable. I wonder how much of that $6-million she reported on her last tax return is profit from drunk driving deaths?

:mad:

[rox63]

11. "Why does Cindy McCain hate Mothers Against Drunk Driving?"

That would make an interesting headline, don'tcha think?

[Coexist]

12. oh yes, I'd love some interviews with MADD moms on Morning Joe, too!

[Bluerthanblue]

13. might be something the media could feed on - something they SHOULD

question-

peace~

[blondeatlast]

18. Since it's SOP around here to post the same thing against our candidate

written three different ways, I tend to agree. If I were more reactionary, I migh just snag PS's post, add your SL and post it.

But I'm nice and I used to moderate a board other than DU and won't make more work for the Mods.

Edit: Oh hell; I'm gonna do it and link back to this thread.

[Coexist]

19. If another post on this subject could make it to the top of the Rec list, so more eyes read it

I say, "Take my OP, please."

My ego's not involved - just my fighting spirit - post away!!

[blondeatlast]

21. Will do, I'll link back to this, and sorry I thought this was PS's OP!

You're a sport, thanks--let's see how it goes...

[The Backlash Cometh]

8. Just one conflict?

[Bluerthanblue]

9. I'd love to think that there isn't some way around this for them-

There shouldn't be-

but then there shouldn't have been a way for Cheney to pretend he had no ties to Halliburton.

"blind trusts" etc-.

But I think this should be played for all it's worth.

peace~

[tridim]

14. I wonder how conservative "security moms" feel about all this?

[Coexist]

17. I would bet that they are also MADD moms.

[cbc5g]

20. Why Does McCain hate Mothers Against Drunk Driving?

This is an explosive issue.