Election Night HQ

Here are the relevant excerpts from the Wall Street Journal article on Monday, July 23, to which Jackie Calmes referred in Thursday’s article on the departure of Russ Schriefer and Stuart Stevens (she is the author of both articles).  Of particular interest is the succinct sidebar of the strategic dilemma facing Senator McCain’s campaign.

WASHINGTON — For friends and foes of Sen. John McCain, a mystery lingers nearly two weeks after his campaign shake-up: Given the budgetary crisis that triggered the upheaval, why did he choose the adviser formerly most responsible for campaign finances to right the ship?

Rick Davis, a lobbyist, McCain confidant and now the Arizona Republican’s campaign manager, had more to do with budgeting, fund raising and spending than any individual, in his prior role as chief executive officer, current and former McCain advisers say.

Text of the sidebar:

Moreover, they say, Mr. Davis stood to benefit from campaign expenditures to an Internet-services company he formed with lobbying partner Paul Manafort. And he steered campaign funds to another company owned by a lobbyist-friend’s client, an Indian-casino.

Click here to read the entire article. 

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