The New York Times ran a story today on an alleged affair between Senator John McCain and a lobbyist. And there’s an implication that she might have gotten extra favors out of this deal as well.

Well this is Senator McCain’s denial of the Times story from National Review via Communications Director Jill Hazelbaker:
“

It is a shame that the New York Times has lowered its standards to engage in a hit and run smear campaign. John McCain has a 24-year record of serving our country with honor and integrity. He has never violated the public trust, never done favors for special interests or lobbyists, and he will not allow a smear campaign to distract from the issues at stake in this election.

“Americans are sick and tired of this kind of gutter politics, and there is nothing in this story to suggest that John McCain has ever violated the principles that have guided his career.”

Anyone else worried about this denial? Hello? He doesn’t deny having an affair with the woman.

Those words used by the campaign were very carefully chosen.

Is there still time for Fred Thompson to come back? I mean maybe it’s just me but for me -if you’re going to lie to your wife and dishonor your family what are you going to do to the taxpayers?

One last thing – you have to love the Times waiting until McCain sewed up the Republican nomination before throwing this bomb.

Update: McCain is now denying that he and the woman are more than “friends.”