As AT&T's chief lobbyist, Tim McKone focuses most of his energy on Sen. John McCain's (R-AZ) Senate Commerce Committee. His efforts have included lobbying campaigns to extend the moratorium on taxing Internet access, oppose net neutrality and force communities to quickly reach franchise agreements with phone companies when they want to introduce cable-like video services. On the latter issue, McCain himself introduced compromise legislation, the "Consumers Have Options in Cable Entertainment" Act, under which video service providers eligible for the national franchises would face no build-out requirements and a cap on fees paid to local governments.[1]
McKone's success in these areas is due in part to his willingness to plan extravagant outings for lawmakers and others. In 2006, The Washington Post reported that he and other lobbyists had for a number of years hosted an annual Caribbean sailing vacation for legislators.[2] But he knows his job doesn't stop at wining and dining. SBC and AT&T, both of which were represented by McKone until they merged in 2005, spent $28,360,426 on campaign contributions between 1997 and 2006. AT&T was the largest donor among all companies in the 2008 election cycle, and, under McKone's leadership, in 2007 has as many as 70 lobbyists assigned to assist in its efforts.[3] As a bundler, he has raised at least $500,000 for McCain's presidential campaign, according to information released by the campaign.[4]
For a complete look at Tim McKone's lobbying activities, please visit the non-partisan Center For Responsive Politics' money-in-politics database.
[1] "McCain Bill Offers National Franchise For A La Carte." Telecommunications Reports, June 15, 2006.
[2] Jonathan Weisman, "Lobbying Colors GOP Leadership Contest," The Washington Post, July 11, 2006.
[3] Kate Ackley, "AT&T Takes Shape as Lobbying Giant," Roll Call, February 20, 2007.
[4] McCain campaign Web site, accessed July 16, 2008.