Dems badger McCain on money

The Democratic National Committee on Saturday called for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to return money raised for his campaign by controversial Texas Republican Clayton “Claytie” Williams Jr.

ABC News reported Friday night that the McCain campaign canceled a Monday fundraiser at Williams’ home after the campaign was reminded of a comment he made that drew fire when he ran unsuccessfully for Texas governor in 1990 against the late Ann Richards.


A reporter overheard Williams comparing rape to weather: “As long as it's inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it.”

The McCain campaign has not said what it will do with money Williams has already raised for the campaign. Williams told the Midland Reporter-Telegram in Texas that he has raised more than $300,000 for the campaign.

Democratic National Committee Communications Director Karen Finney says in a release going out Saturday: "John McCain should make it clear that he understands just how offensive these comments are by not only canceling a fundraising event but also returning the money Williams raised for his campaign. Senator McCain should know that you cannot expect the American people to trust you if you say one thing when you stand on the stump and turn a blind eye to this kind of language when you think no one will notice."