McCain Responds To Internet Report

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: John McCain

(AP)

Sen. John McCain responded today to an internet report that the New York Times is investigating him for alleged legislative favoritism, the Associated Press reports.

McCain said he has "never done any favors for anybody — lobbyist or special interest group."

The Drudge Report, citing "newsroom insiders," reported that "McCain has personally pleaded with NY TIMES editor Bill Keller not to publish the high-impact report involving key telecom legislation before the Senate Commerce Committee."

McCain denied personal contact with the Times, but said the paper has been "communicating with our staff and with us."

He also questioned the timing of the report, which come roughly two weeks before the Iowa caucuses.

"We're getting close to the primary," he said. "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."

Washington lawyer Bob Bennett, whom McCain has hired to respond to the allegations, vowed that McCain would not be brought down by them. "What is being done to Senator McCain is an outrage," he said in a statement.

The Washington Post reports that "Bennett is preparing answers to written questions submitted by a team of New York Times reporters who have spent weeks investigating questions about the senator and the lobbyist."

In a statement, the McCain campaign said "John McCain has a 24-year record of serving this 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 important issues facing our country."

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by giantrobot2 December 23, 2007 11:44 AM EST: Mike Huckabee is skyrocketing in the polls like Ronald Reagan did to win 49 out of 50 States.

Dec 19th NH poll:
Mike Huckabee 28%
Mitt Romeny 22%

Mike is now taking charge in New Hampshire too, the hardest state to win for him. This goes to show that his uplifting, kind, honest and trustworthy message is the message Americans are looking for in a candidate.

Even the staunch Dallas Morning Newspaper endorsed Mike Huckabee this morning.

Mike''''s Huck-a-Bus is traveling faster than a super high speed train now, the other candidates are burning their fingers trying to touch it now.

Mike is waving to all the Americans now and saying "All Aboard". Let''''s take a ride on the Huck-a-Bus and watch another huge underdog upset in the making happen.

America is back in the running now, and the American voters are feeling Mike''''s blazing energy!

GO MIKE GO!!! GO MIKE GO!!!; Reply to this comment


by coolprophet December 21, 2007 3:21 AM EST: MORE TROOPS AND VETERANS SUPPORT RON PAUL
On Veteran''s Day, Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul today addressed a crowd of over 5,000 enthusiastic veterans and supporters in Philadelphia. The Veteran''s Day weekend rally took place at Independence Mall. Thousands of veterans and their friends and families heard country music superstar Rockie Lynne open the event for the Texas congressman. John Holland, the founder of a leading advocacy organization for troops, veterans, and POW/MIAs, delivered an enthusiastic endorsement of Congressman Paul, before the congressman addressed the crowd. The rally coincided with the launch of the Veterans for Paul Coalition, a group composed entirely of American war veterans. "Dr. Paul''s support among veterans is extremely high," said Paul campaign spokesman Joe Seehusen. "These great patriots who have fought for our country know that only Dr. Paul''s foreign policy of peace and secure borders can guarantee true national security, and they want him fighting for our country''s freedom." Congressman Paul was himself a Captain in the Air Force who served as a flight surgeon during the "totally unnecessary and illegal" Vietnam war. He receives more campaign contributions from former and active military and military affiliates than all of the other 2008 presidential candidates combined.; Reply to this comment


by prinzowhales December 21, 2007 1:10 AM EST: John "I married the Mob" McCain hasn''t changed a bit...Once a Keating Fiver, always a Keating Fiver. Anyone who gains the endorsement of Senator Liebermann has to be well on his way to Mordor.; Reply to this comment


by toeveryday December 20, 2007 11:20 PM EST: You can not find a bigger Washington insider than John MCCain. He can not fix the problems of America becuase he and others like him helped create the mess that it is. Congress has a single digit approval rating, Mr. Mc Cain you don''t think you share any of the blame? John McCain would be 4 more years of George Bush!; Reply to this comment