SAVANNAH, GA — Facing repeated questions Monday about campaign transparency and adviser ties to lobbyists, the usually free-wheeling John McCain showed almost machine-like message discipline.

Below is a taste from the press conference this afternoon in Savannah:

Question: What was the impetus for the new lobbying policy?

McCain: “We have enacted the most comprehensive and most transparent policy concerning lobbyist activities and I challenge Senator Obama to adopt a similar policy.”

Question: Is this an inside-the-beltway issue? Do the American people care?

McCain: “It’s not so much that as we wanted to make sure there was an effective and comprehensive and transparent policy towards lobbyist, the most comprehensive and transparent of any presidential campaign in history, and I challenge Senator Obama to adopt the same policy.”

Question: Why did this policy take so long and are you confident we will see no more departures from your campaign?

McCain: “We have enacted the most comprehensive and transparent policy of any presidential campaign in history and I challenge Senator Obama to adopt the same policy.”

All told, by the end of the media availability McCain had described his new lobbyist policy as “comprehensive” seven times, “transparent” five times and challenged Obama to adopt his policy three times. The campaign is currently vetting all staff or lobbying ties after adopting a new policy last week that:

-no staffer can be a registered lobbyist or receive compensation from a lobbying firm.
-part-time volunteers must disclose ties to lobbyists
-no staffer can participate in a 527 or other independent group
-campaign staffers promise not to lobby a future McCain administration.

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Speaking before a packed crowd of caucusgoers at a public library in Washington, Iowa, on Saturday, presidential candidate John Edwards made a bold announcement:

“I’m proud of the fact that I have stood up against Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs, and I want to make an announcement today, which is when I am President of the United States, no corporate lobbyist or anyone who has lobbied for a foreign government will work in my White House,” he said.

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Edwards—who defines himself as a voice for the common man and one who will fight corporate power—made several historical references to past U.S. Presidents, such as Harry Truman and FDR, praising them for their work in standing up to entrenched corporate interests. Edwards pledged that his administration will “look like America.”

At a media availability following Edwards’ announcement, Fox News’ Major Garrett asked the senator whether or not he would ban all lobbyists from the White House, particularly one whose expertise was needed at a time of crisis.

Click to hear Edwards’ response:

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