McCain's political benefactor, publisher who faked military record, dies

[Newsjock]

Source: Arizona Republic

Darrow "Duke" Tully, the former Arizona Republic and Phoenix Gazette publisher who faked an elaborate military career and resigned in disgrace, has died of complications from a stroke in Tampa. He was 78.

Tully was publisher of The Republic and Gazette until December 1985, when he resigned after learning that his political enemies were investigating his war record.

Tom Collins, Maricopa County attorney at the time, planned to have a news conference to expose Tully, who claimed to have been an Air Force combat pilot in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

As publisher of the state's largest newspaper, Tully is credited with launching the political career of Sen. John McCain.

He and McCain, a Navy pilot, swapped war stories and even flew planes over the desert. In reality, Tully, although a skilled pilot, had never served in the Air Force.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/06/22/20100622former-newpaper-editor-tully-dies.html