As we reported last night, Verizon and AT&T; made what may be illegal and unethical corporate contributions to John McCain, by installing free cell towers near one of his 12 homes to give him better cell reception after his wife complained.

It is illegal for corporations to give one dime to a candidate for federal office. ILLEGAL.

That’s why when AT&T; and Verizon gave the McCains the free towers, and then had the nerve to say it was because he was a presidential candidate, it raised a few eyebrows, legal and ethical.

Now Verizon is claiming that they installed the towers at the request of the Secret Service. Great answer. Except the Washington Post just uncovered that it’s a lie. They agreed to build the towers, signed a contract with Cindy McCain to build the towers, BEFORE the Secret Service got involved. So now we’re back to whether AT&T; & Verizon violated federal law by making an illegal contribution to John McCain’s campaign, and whether John McCain violated Senate ethics rules as well.

Verizon spokesman Jeffrey Nelson attacked The Post’s story as “wrong,” saying, “Verizon received a request from Mrs. McCain, but declined. Subsequent to that, the Secret Service made a legitimate request for a temporary tower for its work and Verizon complied as is required by our contract with the agency.” However, interviews and public records filed in the development services offices of Yavapai County, Ariz., reveal a different timeline. Getting cell coverage was the culmination of an effort begun in early 2007 by Cindy McCain, when her staff first requested coverage through Verizon’s Web site, according to the McCain campaign. After discussing the matter with the company, Mrs. McCain offered land for a permanent cell tower. She gave Verizon authorization to act on her behalf to seek permits from the county. Verizon hired contractors to draw up the plans and Cindy McCain signed a contract in May. After a regulatory hurdle delayed installation of the permanent tower, Verizon received e-mails from the Secret Service asking about coverage in the area and asking for the process to be rushed. Verizon’s contractor then petitioned for a cell site on wheels. It was installed in June.

So Verizon signed a contract with Cindy McCain on or before May of 2008. The Secret Service got involved in June, 2008, a month later, AFTER the deal was signed.