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Still, when questioned closely about his past relations with state and federal contractors, Agnew did not repeat the sweeping denials that he employed during most of his news conference. "Anyone that's been around the political scene in the United States who would expect that campaign contributions don't come from contractors doing business with the state and Federal Government is quite naive," he said. At another point, he implied that contractors had contributed to his own campaign chest and that he allowed them "access" to "consult" with him. Certainly none of that adds up to extortion or any other crime, but voters would have to be naive indeed to believe that politicians and contractors do not need each other for more than consultations. Agnew boasted, however, that he had nothing to hide and had made regular financial statements to the public. His last one, in 1972, showed assets of $198,250 — up a smart 79% over four years earlier.
Being a Vice President has its perquisites — Air Force jets and limousines for vacations with rich friends. Last week, having stated his defense and won widespread praises for doing so, Agnew reverted to his sporty ways. He jetted out of sweltering Washington for a weekend of golf and swimming at Frank Sinatra's palatial estate in Palm Springs, Calif.
The life-style of the nation's No. 2 elected official could drastically change if he is drawn into a bruising court battle. Agnew demonstrated last week that he is anything but whipped by that prospect. Nevertheless, along with almost everyone else in the Nixon Administration, Agnew is very much on the defensive — not proved guilty but possibly less than innocent.