Saying Times implied McCain affair, lobbyist sues for $27m

RICHMOND, Va. - A Washington lobbyist sued The New York Times for $27 million yesterday, asserting that an article defamed her by giving the false impression she had an affair with Senator John McCain in 1999. The newspaper stood by the story, saying in a statement that it believes the article was "true and accurate" and that it "raised questions about a presidential contender and the perception that he had been engaged in conflicts of interest."

Vicki L. Iseman represented telecommunications companies before the Senate Commerce Committee, which McCain chaired. In February the Times reported that McCain aides once worried the relationship between Iseman and McCain had turned romantic. The article said that both McCain and Iseman denied any romantic relationship, but the lawsuit says most readers would find that obligatory.

"That The New York Times would make such aggressive and sensational allegations and insinuations in the face of on-the-record denials by Ms. Iseman and Senator McCain only reinforced the message to readers that The New York Times in fact believed that Ms. Iseman and Senator McCain had indeed engaged in an 'inappropriate relationship,' a relationship that was romantic, unethical, and a conflict of interest," the suit says.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural committee is offering the chance for an all-expenses-paid, all-access trip to the inauguration in return for a donation of at least $5.

In an e-mail to supporters yesterday, Obama's campaign said 10 lucky supporters will win a flight for themselves and a guest to Washington, a hotel room, and a good seat to watch Barack Obama sworn in.

"We'll all come together to celebrate the hope and optimism that define this movement for change," campaign manager David Plouffe wrote to supporters. "But you could be one of 10 selected to join us in Washington for all Inaugural events."

GLOBE STAFF

A new report says that President-elect Barack Obama's grass-roots army - which helped him smash fund-raising records and filled the ranks of volunteers - will stay involved as he takes office.

The study released yesterday by the Pew Internet & American Life Project found that 62 percent of Obama voters plan to ask others to back his policies, and that 27 percent of Obama voters have already gone online to follow the transition.

Obama, more than any presidential candidate before him, capitalized on the networking power of the Internet. His online supporters donated some $500 million, created 2 million online profiles, and used his database to call voters. He has pledged to continue harnessing the Internet during his presidency. His political e-mail list tops 13 million names, a digital force that he can tap to push for his legislation, tamp down critics, or bolster popular support.

GLOBE STAFF

AND ASSOCIATED PRESS

Hillary Clinton finished as runner-up for the Democratic presidential nomination. But she - along with her husband - will be in the spotlight at the nation's most famous New Year's Eve event. At 11:59 p.m., Hillary and Bill Clinton will push the button that starts the 60-second countdown to lower the giant illuminated ball in New York's Times Square and usher in 2009, event organizers announced. The senator from New York, nominated to be secretary of state by President-elect Barack Obama, and the former president will join New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in this year's festivities.

GLOBE STAFF

Senator Edward M. Kennedy's office announced yesterday a series of confirmation hearings on Cabinet posts under the purview of his committee.

The Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee will interview former senator Tom Daschle, President-elect Barack Obama's choice for health and human services secretary, on Jan. 8, two days after the new Congress convenes.

That will be followed a day later by the hearing for Representative Hilda Solis, Obama's pick for labor secretary, and on Jan. 13, by the hearing for Chicago education chief Arne Duncan, Obama's selection for education secretary.

Obama is to be sworn in a week later.

Kennedy has already signaled enthusiastic support for all three nominees.

He called Daschle "an ideal choice to meet the urgent challenge of health reform," described Solis as "a tireless champion for working families," and praised Duncan as a "pragmatic and effective leader."

GLOBE STAFF

ST. PAUL - Democratic candidate Al Franken holds a 50-vote lead over Republican Senator Norm Coleman with almost all of the counting completed in Minnesota's US Senate race, the last remaining undecided seat from the November election.

Franken's lead grew by a few votes yesterday when the state Canvassing Board finished allocating thousands of ballots that had been held up due to candidate challenges.

Coleman's hopes of victory now ride on uncounted absentee ballots that will be opened before next week.

But even if the board declares a winner next week, the loser is expected to challenge the outcome in court and a final determination is still days or weeks away.

ASSOCIATED PRESS