By Wire Services, 2/7/2000

WASHINGTON - Senator John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate who is barnstorming the country on a promise to break the grip of special interests, yesterday defended accepting contributions from such groups. ''I welcome the support of anyone in the form of $1,000 contributions, but they know clearly well where I stand, they know clearly I want to break the iron triangle,'' the Arizona senator said on ABC's ''This Week.'' McCain, whose push to overhaul federal campaign finance laws is the centerpiece of his campaign, was accused Friday by GOP presidential rival George W. Bush of engaging in ''Washington double talk'' for attacking special interests while courting their support. (AP)

Bush receives another award

RENO - Ignoring a plea by the Humane Society of the United States, Texas Governor George W. Bush has accepted a conservation award from an organization of trophy hunters that the society says promotes the killing of rare species. Former president Bush accepted the Safari Club International's ''Governor of the Year'' award on behalf of his son here Saturday night. The former president was the keynote speaker at the club's 28th annual convention. The Republican governor was in Texas resting up for his presidential campaign. ''My understanding is the group promotes conservation and wildlife management, and that's why they're recognizing the governor. That's why he decided to accept the award,'' said Bush campaign spokesman Scott McClellan. (AP)