Kerry woman breaks silence over 'lies'

Presidential hopeful John Kerry could virtually seal the US Democratic nomination tonight after claims about his relationship with a young woman were dismissed as "completely false".

On the eve of the crucial Wisconsin primary, journalist Alexandra Polier broke her silence to call the rumours linking her to Senator Kerry "lies".

In a blunt statement, the 27-year-old freelance reporter hit back after four days of speculation, insisting: "I have never had a relationship with Senator Kerry, and the rumours in the press are completely false.

"Whoever is spreading these allegations does not know me, but should know the pain they have caused me and my family." She appealed to be left alone.

A separate statement from her parents also called the reports "competely false and unsubstantiated". Terry and Donna Polier, who live in Pennsylvania, added: "These unfounded rumours are hurtful to our entire family. We appreciate the way Senator Kerry has handled the situation, and intend on voting for him for President of the United States."

Earlier Mr Polier had been quoted as calling Mr Kerry a "sleazeball", and was said to have told The Sun the senator was "not the sort of guy I would choose to be with my daughter".

Mr Kerry, 61, has consistently denied any involvement with Miss Polier, who is staying in Kenya with her fiancé Yaron Schwartzman.

Reports of a two-year affair first surfaced on the Drudge Report, a conservative-leaning website which seems to be backing away from the story. It now says Miss Polier dated Mr Kerry's finance director Peter Maroney, and would joke she was dating the next US President.

Latest opinion polls show Mr Kerry heading for a convincing victory in Wisconsin. If he does win, one of his two remaining rivals, Howard Dean, is expected to pull out of the campaign and back Mr Kerry.