I am frequently asked when I travel outside of Washington, "what's happening in Washington?" To me, that means what story is driving the political and policy debate and/or discussion in Washington.

Well, today, this is an easy one. The New York Times has a huge story about Sen. John McCain's professional relationship with a younger, female lobbyist.

Click here to view the story.

Whether it affects his campaign now or in the fall is unclear. On one hand, it gives his opponents ammunition because it could turn McCain's perceived strength - his pro-political reform image - into a weakness. On the other, it could unite conservatives - who generally dislike the Times - behind McCain. That's something he has had trouble doing.

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