HOMER CITY — The female lobbyist who a newspaper suggested had an inappropriate relationship with John McCain is from Western Pennsylvania.

Vicki Iseman is a 1985 graduate of Homer Center High School.

She graduated with a degree in education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She later took a job with the Virginia-based lobbying firm of Alcalde & Fay, where she is now a partner.

McCain denies a romantic relationship with Iseman. He says Thursday's report by The New York Times suggesting favoritism for her clients is "not true."

The likely Republican presidential nominee calls Iseman a friend.