John McCain advisor Thomas Loeffler steps down over lobbying role

A top fundraiser and advisor in Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign has resigned, becoming the latest of five aides to leave in recent days as McCain moves to sever ties with lobbyists.

Thomas G. Loeffler, a lobbyist whose clients have included Saudi Arabia, stepped down as national finance committee chairman, the senator's campaign said Sunday.

McCain has tried to build a reputation as a political reformer, but recently critics have underscored the number of lobbyists working for his candidacy.

The campaign issued a policy last week saying that lobbyists and foreign agents must either cut ties to their lobbying firms or leave the McCain team.

"We've recognized we've had an appearance issue with regard to lobbying and the campaign, and we're moving to fix it," said campaign spokesman Brian Rogers. He said others might quit in coming days. "Everybody on the campaign is required to be compliant with the policy."

Loeffler is a former Texas congressman who had been a top fundraiser for President Bush. He took over McCain's fundraising apparatus last summer when McCain's campaign ran out of money.