Huh. WaPo reports (DIGG) that, just as McCain was launching his presidential bid, Cindy recognized a little problem: lack of cell service at her Sedona <strikeout>dude ranch</strikeout> cabin.
So she contacted Verizon and AT&T. They stepped up:
Verizon delivered a portable tower know[n] as a "cell site on wheels" -- free of charge -- to Cindy McCain's property in June in response to an online request from Cindy McCain's staff early last year. Such devices are usually reserved for restoring service when cell coverage is knocked out during emergencies, such as hurricanes.
In July, AT&T followed suit.
John McCain, is, of course, on the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees the FCC. And, of course, he's been a strong advocate for industry-backed telco deregulation, and several of his top campaign staff -- e.g. Charles Black Jr. -- used to lobby for AT&T.
"It raises the aura of special consideration for somebody because he is a member of the Senate," said Stanley Brand, a former House counsel for Democrats and an ethics attorney who represents politicians of both parties. "Here is a guy who is campaigning as Mr. Maverick and Mr. Reformer and he keeps skirting the edge."
Ya think?
Oh yeah. DIGG it.