Fox 10: Hayworth Finds Tape of McCain with Ponzi Schemer

PHOENIX - An embattled Florida lawyer has found his way into the middle of the heated Senate primary race in Arizona.

Scott Rothstein was convicted on racketeering, money laundering and fraud, stemming from a $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme.

Former Congressman JD Hayworth is trying to unseat Senator John McCain in the Republican primary, and he is linking McCain to that convicted lawyer.

Hayworth says that McCain took millions in campaign donations from Rothstein, who is now serving 50 years for the money fraud.

Earlier this year, when a McCain spokesperson was asked if Senator McCain knew Rothstein, he told the Arizona Republic, "He wouldn't be able to pick him out of a lineup."

But the Hayworth campaign has unearthed some video from a fundraiser during McCain's presidential run, hosted by Scott Rothstein.

Rothstein: "This is why John McCain should be president… I give you our next president John McCain!"
McCain: "Pack up Scott we're going to New Hampshire!"
Rothstein: "I'd go anywhere with you senator."
McCain: "I thank you for your friendship and for your support."

The fundraiser took place before Rothstein was convicted. The Hayworth campaign says that McCain still has to explain to voters why he was "consorting with criminals."

The McCain camp says, there was no way he'd know Rothstein would be convicted of fraud in the coming years.

Spokespeople for McCain say he's given back more than $9,000 in donations to charity.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/elections/mccain-ponzi-schemer-video-7-1-2010