Political gossip hound Matt Drudge is raking the muck this afternoon by reporting that Presidential candidate John McCain is trying to squash a NY Times story. That story apparently involves McCain giving preferential treatment to an as-yet-unnamed telecom lobbyist who was trying to get certain legislation passed.McCain, who has spent 20 years in the Senate, has spent ample time on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, overseeing new technology laws. McCain tried to kill line sharing before the FCC effectively did it for him, has loudly supported the "a la carte" TV pricing model and has fought against network neutrality laws, arguing that "when you control the pipe you should be able to get profit from your investment."

McCain denies giving anyone unfair treatement, telling the Associated Press "I do find the timing of this whole issue very interesting." There's not much more to say until the Times report surfaces (if it surfaces) but we're sure you're as shocked as we are at the mere possibility that telecom companies have any control over the nation's government.

Update: More at the Washington Post.