"A John McCain fundraiser initially sponsored by a controversial Texas oilman will be held later in the summer at a different venue, according to an aide who asked not to be identified.

McCain had planned to hold a joint fundraiser with the Republican National Committee today at the Midland, Tex., home of Clayton Williams, who ran for governor of his state in 1990. But after reporters from The Washington Post and ABC inquired Friday about a remark Williams made comparing rape to bad weather -- "As long as it's inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it" -- the campaign cancelled the fundraiser. Williams has apologized for the remarks.

A McCain aide confirmed in an e-mail that the contributors who had already made a combined donation of at least $300,000 to the event would have another chance to meet McCain.

"The event at Williams' home on Monday has been cancelled and there will be another Midland event for supporters at a public venue later this summer," the staffer wrote.

According to the McCain aide, "Mr. Williams will not be attending the Midland event later this summer."" (Juliet Eilperin, The Trail, The Washington Post, June 16, 2008)