McCain Helped Donor Developer Win Contracts

Decades-old friendship built on fundraising, land deal assistance

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 22, 2008 11:55 AM CDT

(Newser) – John McCain has repeatedly done favors a wealthy Arizona real estate developer who is a major donor, sponsoring legislation that swapped public land for his land and stepping in to speed a lucrative land deal with the Pentagon that netted him $20 million in a quick flip. The relationship with Donald Diamond could “pose a test” for Mac, the New York Times posits in an expose, since the candidate’s reputation is staked on renouncing political favoritism.

Known as Arizona's answer to “The Donald,” Diamond doesn't think his friendship with the senator is untoward: “When you have a big, significant businessman like myself, why wouldn't you want to help move things along? What else would they do? They waste so much time with legislation." McCain's staff notes that the senator has rejected some requests from Diamond that he considered inappropriate, and says the others are things he would do "for any constituent."

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speaks to supporters at a rally in Selma, Ala., on Monday, April 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Montgomery Advertiser, Amanda Sowards)

Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

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McCain Helped Donor Developer Win Contracts

Decades-old friendship built on fundraising, land deal assistance

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Decades-old friendship built on fundraising, land deal assistance

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ethics • John McCain • Senate • political donors • Donald Diamond • political favoritism

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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John Ensign Gives Farewell Speech—to Empty Room

Senator apologizes to (absent) family and colleagues

Lawmaker: McCain Killed Soldier Counseling

Measure sought to provide Reserve soldiers with more help

GOP Support Grows Ahead of START Vote

Scott Brown is on board; Corker, Gregg likely

McCain Is a Digital 'Genius'

He leads the way in Senate on social networking

John McCain Is Congress's Twitter King

Arizona senator's following 46 times greater than nearest rival

About Us

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Newser By Users

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