Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign has been picking up momentum, but now the candidate finds himself in a war of words with the Drudge Report. On Thursday, McCain vehemently denied that, as was posted on Drudge, he once gave “special treatment” to a lobbyist and has been trying to pressure The New York Times to kill the story.


AP:

McCain acknowledged that his presidential campaign aides have had discussions with the newspaper regarding its inquiries.

“I have not been in talks with The New York Times. They’ve been communicating with our staff and with us,” McCain said. “I’ve never done any favors for anybody — lobbyist or special interest group — that’s a clear, 24-year record.”

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Drudge Report:

Just weeks away from a possible surprise victory in the primaries, Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., has been waging a ferocious behind the scenes battle with the NEW YORK TIMES, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned, and has hired DC power lawyer Bob Bennett to mount a bold defense against charges of giving special treatment to a lobbyist!

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, newsroom insiders tell the DRUDGE REPORT.

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