By JIM KUHNHENN
Associated Press
August 20, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Barack Obama and John McCain have burnished images as politicians who keep special interests at arms' length, yet there won't be much stiff-arming at their nominating conventions.
For the next two weeks -- in Denver and then St. Paul, Minn. -- corporations, unions, advocacy groups and politicians will be shoulder to shoulder if not in a warm embrace.
Business and labor interests have donated millions to the Democratic and Republican convention host committees in exchange for premium seats and special access. Many institutions will also hold parties and receptions where lawmakers can get an earful -- though not more than a mouthful -- from lobbyists and their clients.
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