On the Republican front, Senator John McCain denied a report in the New York Times that he had an inappropriate relationship with a female telecommunications lobbyist. According to the Times, McCain repeatedly wrote letters to government regulators on behalf of clients of the lobbyist, Vicki Iseman. At the time, McCain served as chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. The Times also reports that aides to McCain were concerned the senator was having a romantic affair with the lobbyist. On Thursday morning, McCain held a press conference with his wife Cindy.

Sen. John McCain: “I’m very disappointed in the article, and it’s not true. As has been pointed out, I’ve served this nation honorably for more than a half-a-century. When I was seventeen, I raised my hand and supported — said I would support and defend this nation, and I’ve had the honor of serving it ever since. At no time have I ever done anything that would betray the public trust, nor make a decision which in any way would not be in the public interest and would favor anyone or any organization.”