The John McCain campaign has responded to a New York Times article, published online Wednesday evening, which raises several ethical concerns about the senator from Arizona. The piece alludes to a possible recent affair between McCain and a lobbyist, Vicki Iseman, although McCain denies having had a sexual relationship with her. The campaign’s statement follows:

“It is a shame that The New York Times has lowered its standards to engage in a hit-and-run smear campaign. John McCain has a 24-year record of serving our country with honor and integrity. He has never violated the public trust, never done favors for special interests or lobbyists, and he will not allow a smear campaign to distract from the issues at stake in this election.

“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.”