Huffington claim called ‘totally false’

A report by liberal blogger Arianna Huffington that John McCain admitted to not voting for George W. Bush in the 2000 presidential race brought denials from McCain’s campaign Tuesday.

On her Huffington Post Web site Monday, the pundit reported that McCain confided shortly after his bitter loss nearly eight years ago that he had not voted for Bush.

McCain adviser Mark Salter rejected Huffington’s assertion as “totally false.” “Arianna has a new book to promote,” he said.

Reached by phone in Miami, Huffington stood by her story. She said she previously admired McCain but gradually became disillusioned, convinced that he had forsaken his maverick, truth-telling ways in pursuit of the presidency.

– Los Angeles Times