McCain Hopeful on Finance Reform

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said he is “guardedly optimistic” campaign finance reform will be taken up early in the new Congress after conversations in recent days with Republican leaders, including President-elect George W. Bush and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.). McCain said the president-elect did not ask him to put off the potentially divisive reform battle. “In fact, I think he would like to see Sen. Lott and I work this issue out,” McCain said on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” Bush “wants to get this issue resolved. He knows that he and I have some disagreements, but we are, again, in agreement that we ought to take up and address this issue.”