For A Few Lobbyists More

Maybe this is why McCain is in the financial doghouse.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) built a name for himself fighting to reduce the influence lobbyists have over Washington. Now his 2008 presidential ambitions may rest with a handful of lobbyists.

After a disappointing first-quarter fundraising effort, McCain put two lobbyists-Tom Loeffler and Wayne Berman-in charge of raising cash for his campaign. This week, after burning through campaign cash in the second quarter, he moved another lobbyist--Richard Davis--into the role of campaign manager.

In effect, that means lobbyists now both raise and spend McCain's campaign cash, fundamentally tying the most recognizeable name in campaign finance reform to Washington's money complex.

You live by reform, you die by reform. It's kind of tough to call your ride the Straight Talk Express when you have to hire so many people to try and sell tickets.