Senator John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee for President, was the subject of a very poor New York Times piece today, suggesting that McCain had an inappropriate relationship with a female lobbyist.  The story is heavy on innuendo and “anonymous former aides”.  A sampling:

Mr. McCain, 71, and the lobbyist, Vicki Iseman, 40, both say they never had a romantic relationship. But to his advisers, even the appearance of a close bond with a lobbyist whose clients often had business before the Senate committee Mr. McCain led threatened the story of redemption and rectitude that defined his political identity.

It’s political smear designed to weaken the strength of John McCain’s candidacy for Barack Obama or Senator Clinton.  For McCain’s part, his campaign has vowed to “make war” on the NY Times for the piece.

“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.”

And rightly so.

Update: RedState’s Erick, though not a huge McCain fan, is calling it “a hit job”.  Captain’s Quarters refers to the story at the “Slimes at the Times“. 

Today’s News-Times of Danbury reports Gov. M. Jodi Rell is being considered as a possible candidate for Vice President this fall with Sen. John McCain. WFSB and FOX 61 also reported Tuesday night in their broadcasts that Gov. Jodi Rell is one of many Republicans being considered by party insiders and national leaders.

This is needless to say, a well deserved honor for Gov. Rell and the state of Connecticut.

The following is today’s story in the News-Times:

HARTFORD — Could Gov. M. Jodi Rell be headed for the White House? Political pundits have speculated lately about Rell, a Brookfield resident, being a potential running mate for Sen. John McCain, the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination.

Chris Healy, chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party, said Tuesday there have been discussions in political circles in Connecticut and Washington about Rell joining the McCain ticket if he receives the party’s nomination. “Given what she could bring to the ticket, it’s understandable,” Healy said. “She entered the governor’s office at a time of crisis in the state and restored public confidence in the government. It would be great to bring that to the national debate.” He said while the talk is purely speculative, the rumors speak highly of Rell’s record and her qualifications. “I know that she enjoys being the governor, but I’m sure she would be flattered,” he said.

Crystal Benton, from the McCain campaign, said there have yet to be any official statements about potential running mates. She added, McCain appreciates the support of Rell, who has endorsed the senator. “At this point, it much too early to talk about potential vice presidential candidates,” she said. “We are still running a primary campaign.”

State Rep. Arthur O’Neill, R-Southbury, said he’s surprised its taken this long for Rell to be considered for the position. “She is one of the most popular governors in the United States today,” he said. “She won by the largest plurality of any other governor in the country during the last election.” Rell, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday, said recently on WTIC radio, when asked about the rumors, that she is very happy serving as the governor of Connecticut. She added the speculation was intriguing.

A New York Post story also placed Rell on a short list of McCain’s potential running mates. Others to make the list include billionaire publisher Steve Forbes and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Rell said previously she endorsed McCain because of his “experience and dedication to public service.” “He’s a very direct and straightforward person,” she said. “We need that right now.”

House Speaker James Amann, D-Milford, said while he will be supporting the Democratic ticket in November, having Rell on the Republican ticket with McCain would be good for the state. Amann recently announced the formation of an exploratory committee for his potential run for the governor’s office. “Rell is a very popular governor in Connecticut, and a ticket of diversity certainly wouldn’t hurt the Republicans,” he said. “If chosen, it would be an honor for the state.”

It has been a little while since we mentioned the yeoman’s effort being put forth by Republican Senate candidate Rob Russo in the 22nd District special election.  After Senator/Mayor Finch finally resigned his seat, 2006 candidate Rob Russo stepped up to again wage a campaign for 22nd District seat.  Since that time, he has been running a positive campaign about the issues that matter - affordability, taxes, and private property rights. 

Last week, he filed his paperwork with the State Elections Enforcement Commission to qualify for the Citizens’ Election Program - marking the third special election in a row where the Republican candidate has been better organized than the Democratic opponent.

Russo has his website up and running, featuring the standard campaign website fare - biography, issues, and volunteer recruitment.  And Russo’s call centers are making the phone calls that will deliver the big win on March 11.  Russo’s opponent will be Democrat Tom Mulligan, who is a former City Councilor and Town Clerk in Bridgeport.

L. Scott Frantz, the chairman of Bradley International Airport, will announce tomorrow evening that he intends to seek the Republican nomination to succeed William Nickerson in the state’s 36th senate district.

The 47-year-old Frantz is certainly no strange to Hartford.  Along with his service as chairman of Bradley, he is currently chairman of the Connecticut Development Authority, and a co-founder of Haebler Capital Inc. in Cos Cob. 

This will be Frantz’s first run for elected office, though he has been active in Republican politics for many years.  Former Republican State Representative Janet Lockton, who was considering running for the seat, has stepped aside for Frantz. 

Frantz is a co-founder of the annual Greenwich Salute to Veterans event, and was awarded the Prescott Bush award by the Connecticut Republicans last year.

It’s Election Day in Wisconsin and Washington today for Republican primary voters, and for Democrats in Wisconsin and Hawaii. 

There are 704 delegates still in play on the Republican side - meaning that with Gov. Mike Huckabee’s 240 currently pledged, he will only muster 944 delegates to the Republican National Convention if he wins 100% of every single contest for the remainder of the campaign.  With many states awarding delegates proportionally and 1,191 delegates needed to gain the nomination in Minneapolis, it is mathematically impossible for Gov. Huckabee to be nominated - unless something dramatic were to happen to John McCain.  On the flip side, the Romney endorsement means that McCain is within striking distance of the magic number.

We’ve updated the map today and will continue to do so later this evening.

You be the judge, but I think Deval Patrick’s version was much better than that of Obama. Obama has the better “preacher’s voice”, though. Patrick’s attempt at great oratory comes off as a nasal attempt at grandeur.