McCain: I Did Not Have Improper Legislator-Lobbyist Relations With That Woman, Not Ever (Oh, and PS, I Question The Timing)

Why I hear it mentioned repeatedly it's a female lobbyist he showed favoritsm towards, I don't know. I also don't know why that article omits refernces to the lobbyist's gender (such as a her).

He denies he did any favors for her.

I have no idea what the NYT is cooking up and, whether McCain's a preening dick or not, the fact remains the NYT will oversell and overhype any supposed "scandal" -- or alleged scandal -- involving a Republican. Even McCain, now that he threatens not George Bush nor Mitch McConnell but Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Whatever the allegation is, McCain says it's untrue. That "I question the timing" thing is a crappy defense, though. Either it's true or it's not; make your stand on that.

Sen. John McCain, rising in the polls as a Republican presidential candidate, defended his integrity Thursday, declaring he had "never done any favors for anybody - lobbyist or special interest group."

McCain made the remark to reporters in Detroit when questioned about a report that The New York Times was investigating allegations of legislative favoritism by the Arizona Republican.

McCain acknowledged that his presidential campaign aides have had discussions with the newspaper regarding its inquiries.

"I have not been in talks with The New York Times. They've been communicating with our staff and with us," McCain said. "I've never done any favors for anybody - lobbyist or special interest group - that's a clear, 24-year record."

...

McCain questioned the timing of the allegations and compared them to criticism and false gossip he confronted in 2000 when he first ran for the presidency.

"I do find the timing of this whole issue very interesting," McCain said. "And we're not going to stand for what happened to us in 2000. We're getting close to the primary. These allegations are coming out at a very interesting time, and I have never, ever done a favor for any lobbyist or special interest group."

McCain has retained Washington lawyer Bob Bennett to help him respond to allegations against him.

What little is known about the supposed scandal is mostly from Drudge.

posted by Ace at 01:17 AM

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