The reality is that if the AG at the time (Dick Thornburgh) had done his job....McCain would have faced federal charges, been convicted, and probably doing at least three years in prison. The Bush administration saved McCain in the end. For all practical purposes, McCain was simply a dimwit and unable to comprehend federal law practices.
Personally, pepsionice, I thought that someone paid a very big bribe (aka...big donation) to someone so McCain did not get in further trouble during the Keating Five.
I was not into politics in the least smallest amount at that time and I was amazed because even to me it seemed the man was GUILTY as the others.
As I became interested in politics and logical thinking versus emotional/selfish needs it appeared to be evident the man was doing the work of the Democrats for them.