McCain could face recall vote By HOWARD FISCHER
Capitol Media Services
06/06/2001 PHOENIX -- A Phoenix Republican has taken the first steps to forcing a recall election of Sen. John McCain. Jerry E. Clingman filed the necessary papers this week to start gathering the signatures to force McCain to defend his post. Clingman, in a document filed with the Secretary of State's Office, said McCain's flaws range from his joke about Chelsea Clinton's appearance to his penchant "to propose and push unconstitutional and treasonist (sic) legislation." Clingman, who is a Republican precinct committeeman, faces an uphill fight: He needs 349,269 valid signatures by Oct. 1 to force an election. "It may be difficult," conceded Clingman. He said, though, that while McCain is "the darling of high party officials and the media," registered Republicans are not happy with him. In fact, state GOP officials have privately admitted they have fielded a number of calls at party headquarters wanting to know the procedure for a recall. The senator himself, who went to the White House Tuesday night for what was described as a "social" dinner with President Bush, appeared unconcerned that some members of his party might not like what he is doing in Washington. Press aide Nancy Ives said McCain "will continue to work in what he believes are the best interests of Arizonans and the country -- even when that puts him in conflict with some members of his party." A survey conducted in April by Behavior Research Center showed that 63 percent of all registered voters thought Arizona's senior senator was doing a good or excellent job. By contrast, Jon Kyl, the state's junior senator, had positive ratings of only 46 percent. Among Republicans, pollster Earl deBerge said McCain's approval rating hits 71 percent. Nathan Sproul, executive director of the Arizona Republican Party, acknowledged there is some dissatisfaction with the senator. "Clearly there are Republicans who are frustrated with Sen. McCain," Sproul said. "But we're (also) hearing from Republicans who are happy with Sen. McCain." The complaint about Chelsea Clinton stems from a quip McCain made in 1998 at a GOP fundraiser in Washington. The senator said that the then first daughter is ugly because Janet Reno is her father. McCain subsequently apologized to the president.

-- Anonymous, June 06, 2001