John McCain's Close Personal Relationship With Lobbyist Threatens Campaign

The New York Times reported today that during Senator John McCain's first campaign for the presidency eight years ago, his campaign advisers became distressed over the persistent presence of a certain female lobbyist. Vicki Iseman had reportedly turned up with McCain at various fundraisers, in his offices, and even on board a client's corporate jet.

Having become convinced that their relationship had become romantic, according to the NYT, some of McCain's top advisers stepped into protect him from himself. Reportedly, they stopped Iseman's access, warned her privately, and confronted McCain.

His advisers were further concerned when the media began reporting on how McCain wrote letters to government regulators on behalf of Iseman's clients. They thought that attention might come back to her involvement.

Both McCain and Iseman deny that they had any romantic relationship. But according to former staffers, they were worried about the appearance of any kind of close bond - romantic or not.

Now, that potential affair may be coming back to bite him, eight years later as he embarks on another bid for the presidency.

News Source: Cleveland Leader