The New York Times, playing their role of Republican agitator to the hilt, has published a story "For McCain, Self-Confidence on Ethics Poses Its Own Risks."

Not to be outdone, The Washington Post has its own story "McCain's Ties to Lobbyist Worried Aides."

Basically, the reports suggest that John McCain MAY have had an extramarital affair, nearly ten years ago, with telecom lobbyist Vicki Iseman.  Both McCain and Iseman deny the affair.

I'll sleep on this before I say too much, I think it is best to wait for facts to be presented.  The McCain camp may release some documentation confirming the Senator's stance. But this story smacks of consultant payback to me -  maybe a ticked off opposition researcher loyal to Romney.  Maybe a former McCain adviser in need of a job after getting the boot.  True or not, this story has the stamp of consultant cum Machiavelli written all over it.

The timing: as good as it gets for McCain.  Originally leaked on Drudge last December - it would have killed McCain in New Hampshire.  Luckily, McCain avoided this story becoming the "October Surprise."