But he said it would take further discussions for the former rivals for the Republican presidential nomination to reach agreement on a reform measure. The issue presents a challenge for Bush because McCain has insisted that he has a mandate from voters who want big money out of politics. Bush and GOP congressional leaders, however, oppose McCain's bill in its current form. After meeting with Bush, McCain said he suggested that if unions had to get permission, then corporations should have to ask stockholders before making donations.
Timing is another critical issue.
McCain is demanding a vote on his bill by April 15 and is threatening to tie up the Senate if he doesn't get his way. But Bush and Republican congressional leaders want to wait until later in the spring so the GOP can score some legislative victories before delving into the divisive campaign-finance issue. McCain said he and Bush did not talk about timing.