OSHKOSH, Wis. - John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, admonished Democrat Barack Obama yesterday, accusing the senator of hedging on a pledge to accept public funding if he wins his party's nomination.
"I made the commitment to the American people that if I were the nominee of my party, I would accept public financing," McCain said. "I expect Senator Obama to keep his word to the American people as well."
Obama told reporters yesterday that if he were the nominee, his campaign would contact McCain's about abiding by the rules of the general election. "But it would be presumptuous of me to say now that I'm locking myself into something when I don't even know if the other side is going to agree to it," Obama said.
McCain said that if Obama becomes the nominee and decides against taking public money, he might do the same. Earlier this week, he turned down government matching funds for the primary to free him to spend more money as he prepares for a possible general election contest.
McCain would be the likely beneficiary under public financing because Obama has proved to be a better fund-raiser. Through January, Obama has brought in about $134 million to about $48 million for McCain.
Candidates who accept public funding are eligible for about $85 million, which is raised when taxpayers check off a $3 donation box on their income tax forms. No major party candidate rejected public funds for the general election since the system was put in place in the 1970s after the Watergate scandal.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
George H.W. Bush to endorse McCain
WASHINGTON - George H.W. Bush will endorse John McCain in Texas on Monday, Republican officials said.The endorsement will represent another step in McCain's tightening grip on the Republican presidential nomination. The officials spoke yesterday on the condition of anonymity because the formal announcement is next week.
Since he took a commanding lead in the delegate count, the Arizona senator has been working to solidify his support from the Republican base. The endorsement of the former president also could help with party stalwarts. His son, President George W. Bush, has not formally endorsed McCain, but he strongly signaled his support last weekend in a cable television interview.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
