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It's Tough Running From The Senate

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By MARSHA MERCER Media General News Service

Published: February 26, 2008

WASHINGTON - Many hear the call, but few sitting senators actually make the move to the White House. Last week, we saw why.

No matter your opinion of The New York Times' report about John McCain's relationship with a female lobbyist, the incident illustrates the pitfalls of Senate experience for a potential president.

Senators have voting records that can be picked over by opponents. A senator may vote reluctantly for a bill because he supports its intent, even if it contains other provisions he opposes. Try explaining that in 15 seconds.

Senators have to compromise, which can smack of deal making. And they wield power, which can appear to - and does - corrupt.

Voters tend to like uncomplicated executive types - governors - as the country's chief executive. The last incumbent senator to move directly to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was John F. Kennedy in 1960. The only other was Warren G. Harding in 1920. This year, the likeliest nominees in both parties are sitting senators - but only one has decades in the Senate.
Democratic rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama came to the Senate in 2001 and 2005, respectively. Senator McCain was elected to the House in 1982, to the Senate in 1986 and has been chairman of one of its most powerful committees.

The Commerce Committee has wide-ranging jurisdiction over the nation's communications and transportation industries as well as science and consumer affairs.

The article in The New York Times last week reported that early in McCain's 2000 run for president, his campaign staff became so worried about the appearance of his relationship with a telecommunications lobbyist that they tried to keep her away. The article said McCain, 71, and Vicki Iseman, 40, both deny a romantic relationship. ,

McCain called Iseman a friend he had seen at receptions, fundraisers and in appearances before his committee. She's one of his many friends who represent various interests, he said.

There's nothing wrong with that, he maintained, unless they exert undue influence or get special treatment. He emphatically said they did not.

McCain may believe the people currying his favor were his friends. If so, he needs to brush up on Harry Truman: "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog." . A Senate chairman's chumminess with someone who had business before his committee may be the way of Washington, but it doesn't look right to the very voters McCain has courted as a foe of money in politics.

The incident may blow over. The Times' allegations were from anonymous sources. McCain insisted he has done nothing wrong. Still, such allegations have a way of changing the conversation.

Marsha Mercer is the Washington Bureau chief for Media General News Service.

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