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WASHINGTON – The lobbying firm with a big Tampa-connection that employs the woman linked by a New York Times to a relationship eight years ago with John McCain has just gone on the offensive, calling the newspaper’s story "a campaign of character assassination."
Alcalde & Fay’s founder and chairman, Hector Alcalde – a prominent Tampa-connected political figure – personally did not return telephone calls from The Tampa Tribune for comment on the story tying one of his firm’s partners, Vicki Iseman, to the Arizona senator.
But his Arlington, Va.,-based firm released a written statement to the newspaper, comments that are attributed to Kevin Fay, the firm’s president.
"The allegations and malicious innuendo reported by the New York Times yesterday (Wednesday night on its Web site) are completely and utterly false," says the statement.
"Alcalde & Fay’s relationship with Senator McCain has been professional, appropriate, and consistent with his legislative, jurisdictional and constitutent duties," the statement goes on.
The statement continues: "The story is based upon the fantasies of a disgruntled former campaign employee and is without foundation or merit."
"Ms Iseman is a hard working professional whose 18-year career has been exemplary and she has our full support. It is beneath the dignity of a quality newspaper to participate in such a campaign of character assassination," the statement concludes.
Earlier today, McCain appeared at a news conference to also also deny any inappropriate behavior with Iseman, who he called a "friend." The Times story said questions about McCain’s relationship with Iseman dated to 2000, during his first run for president and when he was chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee.
The firm’s Web site describes Iseman as having "extensive experience in telecommunications, representing corporations before the House and Senate Commerce Committees.
"Her work on the landmark 1992 and 1996 communications bills helped secure cable access for broadcast television stations. Her experience in the communications field includes digital television conversion, satellite regulations and telecommunications ownership provisions," the site says.
It adds: "She has assisted corporations through the authorization and appropriation process. An active fundraiser, she has organized and participated in many political fundraising events."
Alcalde, who now lives in the Washington area, has long been prominent in Tampa politics. He was chief of staff for former U.S. Rep. Sam Gibbons of Tampa, a graduate of the University of Tampa and member of the college’s board, and a prominent lobbyist who has represented local governments including Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa. He is listed on the Arlington, Va.,-based Alcalde & Fay's Web site as the firm's founder and chairman.
Iseman's partners at Alcalde & Fay include L.A. "Skip" Bafalis, a former Republican congressman from Florida.
Alcalde & Fay’s founder and chairman, Hector Alcalde – a prominent Tampa-connected political figure – personally did not return telephone calls from The Tampa Tribune for comment on the story tying one of his firm’s partners, Vicki Iseman, to the Arizona senator.
But his Arlington, Va.,-based firm released a written statement to the newspaper, comments that are attributed to Kevin Fay, the firm’s president.
"The allegations and malicious innuendo reported by the New York Times yesterday (Wednesday night on its Web site) are completely and utterly false," says the statement.
"Alcalde & Fay’s relationship with Senator McCain has been professional, appropriate, and consistent with his legislative, jurisdictional and constitutent duties," the statement goes on.
The statement continues: "The story is based upon the fantasies of a disgruntled former campaign employee and is without foundation or merit."
"Ms Iseman is a hard working professional whose 18-year career has been exemplary and she has our full support. It is beneath the dignity of a quality newspaper to participate in such a campaign of character assassination," the statement concludes.
Earlier today, McCain appeared at a news conference to also also deny any inappropriate behavior with Iseman, who he called a "friend." The Times story said questions about McCain’s relationship with Iseman dated to 2000, during his first run for president and when he was chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee.
The firm’s Web site describes Iseman as having "extensive experience in telecommunications, representing corporations before the House and Senate Commerce Committees.
"Her work on the landmark 1992 and 1996 communications bills helped secure cable access for broadcast television stations. Her experience in the communications field includes digital television conversion, satellite regulations and telecommunications ownership provisions," the site says.
It adds: "She has assisted corporations through the authorization and appropriation process. An active fundraiser, she has organized and participated in many political fundraising events."
Alcalde, who now lives in the Washington area, has long been prominent in Tampa politics. He was chief of staff for former U.S. Rep. Sam Gibbons of Tampa, a graduate of the University of Tampa and member of the college’s board, and a prominent lobbyist who has represented local governments including Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa. He is listed on the Arlington, Va.,-based Alcalde & Fay's Web site as the firm's founder and chairman.
Iseman's partners at Alcalde & Fay include L.A. "Skip" Bafalis, a former Republican congressman from Florida.