In the weekly GOP radio address, the Arizona senator and former presidential hopeful said Clinton is more interested in making Republicans look bad in negotiations than holding down government spending in a fiscally responsible budget. The president is a charming fellow and a heck of a salesman. But I wouldn't buy a used car from him if I were you. McCain said the government shutdown five years ago gave Democrats an excuse to blame Republicans for any budget impasse, leaving the president a free hand to push through more spending. But while McCain thumped Democrats, he kept his maverick image intact by laying into Republican big spenders as well.
Legislators frequently push through spending bills benefiting their own states and districts.
But before he would accept the job, McCain laid out his requirements, saying the final spending bills must have no pork-barrel projects. Riders are frequently too controversial to survive as separate legislation, such as abortion rights or gun control. A particularly sensitive rider can hold a spending bill hostage. McCain's effort may also heal some rifts between himself and Senate leaders, including Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss. Lott endorsed Texas Gov. George W. Bush, the eventual nominee, over McCain in the GOP presidential race.