ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the following statement by Communications Director Jill Hazelbaker on Howard Dean and the Democratic National Committee leadership's personal attacks on John McCain:
"Today, a speaker at our event made a highly inappropriate statement about Senator Obama. In response, Senator McCain immediately denounced the remarks and apologized to Senator Obama.
"In contrast, Howard Dean and the Democratic National Committee leadership have launched a personal and negative assault on Senator McCain's character. Howard Dean himself questioned Senator McCain's integrity, and a DNC official called McCain a liar.
"We agree with the Obama campaign's statement today that this debate should be respectful and focused on issues,' and it would be encouraging to see Senator Obama denounce the character attacks coming from the leadership of his Party."