McCain refused to let Manafort run 2008 convention due to Russia ties: report

Source: The Hill | August 27, 2018 | Brett Samuels

The late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) rejected a bid from Paul Manafort, President Trump’s former campaign chairman, to manage the 2008 Republican National Convention because of concerns over Manafort’s association with Russian oligarchs, The Atlantic reported Monday.

The news outlet reported that McCain’s 2008 campaign manager, Rick Davis, worked with Manafort for years at a lobbying firm. One of the firm’s top clients was Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin who was recently the subject of U.S. sanctions.

Davis and Manafort reportedly helped Deripaska interact with McCain in the months leading up to the 2008 presidential campaign. Deripaska reportedly hosted a party on a yacht near Montenegro to mark McCain’s 70th birthday.

The Atlantic reported that McCain grew concerned after he learned Manafort was allegedly entangled with Russian oligarchs. An aide for the late senator told the news outlet that McCain ordered Manafort and Davis to cut ties with pro-Russia clients. 

In the months that followed, Manafort wanted to head efforts to organize the Republican National Convention. However, McCain turned him down amid evidence of his ties to individuals with Kremlin links, The Atlantic reported.

…….

Viewing 1 post (of 1 total)
Viewing 1 post (of 1 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.