McCain denies affair rumour

Updated 21.44 Thu Feb 21 2008

Keywords: John McCain

The Republican presidential front-runner John McCain has denied rumours of an affair with a female lobbyist.

An article in the New York Times suggested married Mr McCain, 71, had a romantic relationship with telecommunications lobbyist Vicki Iseman, 40, creating an embarrassing conflict of interest.

An article in the New York Times suggested married Mr McCain, 71, had a romantic relationship with telecommunications lobbyist Vicki Iseman, 40, creating an embarrassing conflict of interest

The article said the apparent closeness of the pair during the Arizona senator's failed presidential election campaign in 2000 forced his top advisors to intervene.

But Mr McCain, who has campaigned for higher ethical standards for members of the US Congress, denied any wrongdoing, describing Ms Iseman as just "a friend".

Speaking at a news conference with his wife Cindy by his side, Mr McCain said:

"Obviously I'm very disappointed in the article. It's not true.

""At no time have I ever done anything that would betray the public trust or make a decision which in any way would not be in the public interest and would favor any one or any organization."

Cindy McCain defended her husband, saying she and her children trusted him and describing him as "a man of great character".