http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/21/us/politics/21consult.html?_r=2&ref=us&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Keeping Vow on Obama, McCain Adviser Resigns
By JIM RUTENBERG
Published: May 21, 2008
WASHINGTON — Senator John McCain’s chief advertising strategist, Mark McKinnon, announced Tuesday that he was resigning, following through on a vow he had made months ago not to work against the candidacy of Senator Barack Obama.
His resignation follows the departures of five other aides in recent days because work they have done outside the campaign — as lobbyists for corporations and foreign nations, and, in one case, as a strategist for an independent political group — had presented conflict of interest issues.
In telling the Cox News Service last June that he would not work against an Obama candidacy, Mr. McKinnon had said that Mr. Obama’s election to the presidency “would send a great message to the country and the world.” In that interview, Mr. McKinnon had said that he had policy differences with Mr. Obama, especially on Iraq, and that he believed Mr. McCain was best suited for the presidency because of his national security positions. But, he added, “I just don’t want to work against an Obama candidacy.”
Mr. McKinnon’s decision highlights challenges Mr. McCain may face in running against a man who will be the first black presidential candidate from a major American political party if he cinches the Democratic nomination.
Mr. McKinnon had told friends, and some journalists, that he did not want to be part of a hard-fought campaign against such a historic candidacy. In his interview with Cox, he had said of Mr. Obama: “I think he has a deep character and good judgment. I also think he’s wrong on some fundamental issues. But I believe he is honest and independent.”
Mr. McKinnon had made those comments as Mr. McCain’s campaign was entering a rough patch that by midsummer left his prospects in doubt. With a general election battle between Mr. Obama and Mr. McCain increasingly likely, speculation over whether Mr. McKinnon would follow through on his pledge had been recently circulating in both parties.
Mr. McKinnon did not respond to a request late Monday to discuss his plans but on Tuesday told The Washington Post Web site that he would be stepping down. “I’ll be transitioning, shifting position from linebacker to head cheerleader," he was quoted as saying, adding that he would remain a “friend and fan” of the campaign.
The situation divided the loyalties of a man known to take them seriously. But one adviser to Mr. McCain, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the choice for Mr. McKinnon was not between Mr. Obama and Mr. McCain, who remains his choice for president, but between staying true to his word and not.
“This is not about neutrality,” the adviser said. “I think this really pains him, but he made a commitment to do something.”
Mr. McKinnon, who lives in Austin, Tex., has been something of an anomaly in Republican politics. He has spent most of his career working for Democrats, including Ann Richards, a former Texas governor, and Buddy Roemer, a former governor of Louisiana and congressman.
