A New York Times article published last week suggesting that Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., had an improper relationship with a Washington lobbyist sparked debate over the media's role in covering presidential politics and prompted a response by the Times' ombudsman.

On Thursday, presumptive GOP presidential nominee Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., challenged allegations that he had an improper relationship with a lobbyist that were raised in a New York Times article, calling it a "hit and run smear campaign."…