McCain helped his lobbyist/fundraiser buy $7.2mn federal property for $250,000

[cui bono]

McCain helped businessman buy Fort Ord land for a fraction of its market value
JULIA REYNOLDS - MediaNews
Article Launched: 10/12/2008 01:32:02 AM PDT

MONTEREY -- An Arizona businessman, with help from Sen. John McCain's office, paid the federal government a mere fraction of the market value when he bought a Fort Ord land parcel in 1999, an Army appraisal obtained by The Monterey Herald shows.

Donald R. Diamond, an 80-year-old real estate developer, lobbyist and top fundraiser for McCain's presidential campaign, bought the land for $250,000, though it was valued at $7.2 million, according to Pentagon appraisals made three years before the sale.

He held on to the parcel for a little more than two years before selling it and the buildings on it for an estimated profit of more than $18 million.

When negotiating with the Army over the no-bid sale, Diamond had more than one advantage on other potential buyers. He held a lease on the land that would have made it difficult for the Army to find another buyer. When Rep. Sam Farr, D-Carmel, later criticized the Army for "giving away" Fort Ord land during the 1990s, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Paul "PJ" Johnson said, "That was a very complicated realignment and closure at Ford Ord." Johnson retired later that month.

But it was McCain's office, as reported earlier this year by The New York Times and The Monterey Herald, that Diamond credited with helping smooth out problems he encountered. At the time, McCain served on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The appraisal documents were obtained under a Freedom of Information Act request. Diamond and McCain's Senate office both declined to comment.


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http://www.mercurynews.com/centralcoast/ci_10703310

[Robbien]

1. It would be great if this story got some traction

It is typical of what has been happening to much of our public lands during the last decade under GOPer rule. But hardly anyone knows.

[cui bono]

2. Plus it's more proof that McCain is no reformer. n/t

[alittlelark]

3. But He's a REPUBLICAN !!!! It's OKAY.

Really, it is.

He's a Republican!

Why are we getting our 'panties in a wad'?

[stillcool]

4. hmmm...I wonder when these..

documents were obtained under the FOIA? There is a quote that John McCain said he did nothing he wouldn't have done for any other 'constituent' from the New York Times earlier this year. I've never heard this story, but it sure sounds like an interesting one to explore.

[Usrename]

5. McKlan IS the culture of corruption.

Keeping his Mavericky self out of Washington is the best way to get any real reform.

[cui bono]

6. Yessiree

Bob.

[Vinca]

7. You'd think the MSM would bring this up, seeing as how they're so "liberal. "

[cui bono]

8. Yeah, isn't that odd.

[live love laugh]

9. Stop looking BACK. You can't be about CHANGE if you're stuck in the past.

:sarcasm:

(You know these are McPalin's words right?)