Clearly both candidates have received support from the mortgage giants. An issue here is John McCain's assertion he was in the forefront of seeking regulation when in reality his friends were in the pay of both and trying to dodge regulation. McCain here seems like a guy hanging out in a bar, backslapping, joking, and playing pool with very heavy drinkers while claiming to be for abstinence. At the least it doesn't smell good.

"Loan titans paid McCain aide nearly $2 million." Officials: Campaign manager hired to help Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae."

"At least 20 McCain fundraisers have lobbied on behalf of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, netting at least $12.3 million in fees over the past nine years.

"Political insiders Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr., picked by McCain to vet his vice presidential nominees, and Jim Johnson, picked by Obama to perform the same function, once worked for the mortgage giants.

"And for years, Rick Davis (McCain Campaign Manager) served as president of an advocacy group led by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that defended the two companies against increased regulation."

Compare

"Top Recipients of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac"

"Top Recipients of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Campaign Contributions, 1989-2008

Name Office Party/State Total

1. Dodd, Christopher J S D-CT $133,900

2. Kerry, John S D-MA $111,000

3. Obama, Barack S D-IL $105,849

4. Clinton, Hillary S D-NY $75,550

5. Kanjorski, Paul E H D-PA $65,500"