Gridiron Politics

So the New York Times put out a big hit on McCain earlier this evening, giving conservatives a new reason to hate him and giving new life to Mike Huckabee’s Quixotic quest for the Republican nomination. This piece by the Times about McCain’s relationship with lobbyists hints at a sexual relationship with lobbyist Vicki Iseman. Which is fine if you’re John McCain the maverick U.S. Senator, but less fine when you’re trying to run for President, solidify your Republican base and reach out to independents so they don’t accidentally vote for Barack Obama.

The possibility of illicit sex probably won’t stop independents from voting for McCain, but close ties to a lobbyist and the subsequent favors he performed on her behalf might give them pause.

The close relationship with a lobbyist won’t be a problem for conservatives, but the prospect of
out of wedlock sex might send the Religious Right scurrying ever closer to Holy Huckabee.

But really, unless there are more developments, this story isn’t likely to be much of a problem in the immediate future for anyone not named Cindy McCain. By the way, Mrs. McCain, are you still proud of America now?

Now the piece by the Times doesn’t say as much as it implies. It appears from reading the story that the paper has been trying to get at this issue since December but has had to do extensive fact checking. It feels a bit rushed — Josh over at Talking Points Memo speculates that the Times had to get this before any other paper landed it. But there is quite a bit said about McCain and his questionable ethics, and it’s guaranteed to put the spotlight on the Republican frontrunner just as his party was ready to crown him king.

World Sports Exchange still has $100 shares of Huckabee selling for 0 dollars and $100 McCain shares trading at $93. But give it a few days and the Iseman story might grow new legs on Mike Huckabee’s campaign.