Lobbyists to McCain: Gee, Thanks, Traitor

John McCain has been purging his campaign of lobbyists, which has left more than a few feeling betrayed. These are the people, after all, who stuck through McCain when his primary chances looked grim, and kept his campaign financially above water. “If it was OK to have these people working for you in February, why is it not OK today?” asked one lobbyist.

McCain, of course, is trying to match reformer credentials with Barack Obama, who doesn’t accept lobbyist donations or staff members. “McCain’s self-righteous [expletive] has caught up with him. Now he’s got himself in a jam,” said one lobbyist and McCain volunteer. Another said he found it offensive. “If we’re not good enough, then send my check back,” he said. “It pisses me off.” (More John McCain stories.)