McCain, Obama Both Have Ties to Loan Giants

Barack Obama and John McCain are both railing against the excesses of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on the campaign trail, and promising to end the lobbyist culture in Washington that led to their fall. But both candidates and their parties have multiple ties to Fannie and Freddie, the New York Times reports, and both have taken campaign contributions from their leaders.

Neither senator has ever challenged the GSEs in the Senate, making difficult the task as president to right the mortgage industry. And both campaigns feature high-ranking staffers who were key players for the mortgage giants —including McCain's campaign manager and vice-presidential vetters on both sides. (More John McCain stories.)