WASHINGTON – Arizona Sen. John McCain canceled scheduled fundraising events in Portland and Seattle this week, saying he has to get back to Washington, D.C., to vote on important ethics legislation.

McCain, who is seeking the Republican nomination for president, canceled events Wednesday in Portland and today in Seattle. He was in California on Wednesday but was flying back to Washington to participate in debate on a bill to make lawmakers disclose more details about efforts to fund pet projects and raise money from lobbyists.

“Senator McCain is a leader on ethics reform, and he wants to come back to Washington to lead debate on the issue,” said Crystal Benton, a spokeswoman for McCain’s presidential bid.

No dates have been set to reschedule the Northwest events, which were to be held at the Heathman Hotel in Portland and the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle.