Baucus denies 'affair' with ex-aide

[PBS Poll-435]

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus is defending recommending his girlfriend for appointment as Montana's U.S. attorney.

Baucus said the he and former state office director Melodee Hanes began dating when they were both separated from their spouses. The Montana Democrat said they did not have an affair.

In a statement issued by his office Saturday, Baucus said he recommended Hanes to become Montana's U.S. attorney because she is a highly qualified prosecutor who tried more than 100 jury trials, and said she is widely regarded as an expert in child abuse prosecution.

Baucus, who is helping Democrats expand health care, nominated Hanes for the post in March. But she later withdrew, saying she had been presented with other opportunities she couldn't pass up. Baucus said the two now live together in Washington.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091205/ap_on_go_co/us_baucus_girlfriend_nominated

[havocmom]

1. LOL Max needs to rest

He is starting to sound pretty tired.

[bluestateguy]

2. Oh here we go

If he's looking for a Democrat to carry water for him, it's not going to be me.

[neshanic still]

3. So does she get COBRA since her position with him has changed?

[Mass]

4. I am more interested by his affair with healthcare insurance lobbyists.

But, he did not deny anything. He said he was separated from his wife at the time and she was separated from her husband. And who cares.

It is highly stupid to recommend your mistress to a position, and Baucus should know better, but at least she is highly qualified for.

[FrenchieCat]

5. Maybe he was being blackmailed that this would come out by the RW,

which could be why he was such an asshole throughout the health care debate.

Perhaps his committee vote for the bill,
is why this news is now upon us.

Possibly, he should figure on becoming more progressive,
if he wants to survive this, cause I can tell him now,
conservatives in his state are not going to be coming to his rescue.

If he votes as he should as a Democrat finally, perhaps Democrats will see past his
lack of judgment in mixing the personal and his professional responsibilities.

[Garam_Masala]

11. Blackmail is the real danger for any person in position of power

to have an affair and then do favors to her/him. One never knows when your
paramour will turn on you and blackmail you.

[wryter2000]

6. It must be a humorous piece

Baucus, who is helping Democrats expand health care,

Of the cruel joke variety.

[TheCowsCameHome]

8. It must have been a good piece, right Max?

[TheCowsCameHome]

7. Bye, Max.

[butterfly77]

9. Good Riddance..

lying bastard.

[Sebastian Doyle]

10. Throw the bastard out, replace him with an actual Democrat.

Problem solved.