The so-called "527" organizations — named for the section of the tax code under which they operate — can "poison the political atmosphere," McCain said during a town hall meeting at his old high school in northern Virginia.

The subject arose when a questioner at Episcopal High School asked McCain whether the prospect of two senators running against each other in the fall might lead to less negativity.

McCain said he hopes so, adding that he respects both Obama and Clinton, and believes they respect him. "Americans want more respectful campaigns," he added. But the longtime proponent of overhauling campaign finance laws said it's very hard to control the activities of allegedly independent groups that engage in negative campaigning.

The visit to Episcopal High School was part of McCain's week-long "biography tour." On Wednesday, it takes him to another alma mater, the U.S. Naval Academy.

The questions, most from students, were respectful, though the last one came from a student who cited the political aspects of the event and asked the purpose of McCain's visit.

"I knew I should have cut this thing off," McCain joked. "This meeting is over."

The Arizona senator said the purpose of the visit and the tour were to discuss inspirations in his life and also discuss some issues.

For example, the prepared remarks included a brief discussion of education policy. McCain called for changes that would help parents get their students out of failing schools, as well as merit pay for teachers and helping military retirees become teachers.

"We have let fear of uncertainty — and a view that education's primary purpose is to protect jobs for teachers and administrators — degrade our sense of the possible in America," McCain said. "There is no excuse for it."

Enlarge By Heather Wines, Gannett News Service Republican presidential hopeful John McCain speaks during a town hall meeting at Episcopal HIgh School in Alexandria, Va., on Tuesday. McCain is a 1954 graduate of the school.

ADVERTISEMENT

Iconocast is about learning and teaching without borders; we offer eMarketing, Internet Advertising, Internet Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing, Online Branding, and eMarketing News Services.

Iconocast Home Page

Contact Iconocast

Iconocast Health Articles

© 2003-07. ICONOCAST is a trademark of iconocast.com.