WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. John McCain said Thursday he had "never done any favors for anybody — lobbyist or special interest group."

McCain made the remark to reporters in Detroit when questioned about a report that The New York Times was investigating allegations of legislative favoritism by the Arizona Republican.

McCain acknowledged that his presidential campaign aides have had discussions with the newspaper regarding its inquiries.

"I have not been in talks with The New York Times. They've been communicating with our staff and with us," McCain said. "I've never done any favors for anybody — lobbyist or special interest group — that's a clear, 24-year record."

McCain and four other senators were accused two decades ago of trying to influence banking regulators on behalf of Charles Keating, a savings and loan financier later convicted of securities fraud. The Senate Ethics Committee said McCain had used "poor judgment" but also said his actions "were not improper" and warranted no penalty.

McCain was faced with the question Thursday after the online Web site, the Drudge Report, said his aides and advisers had been trying to dissuade the newspaper from publishing a story.

McCain questioned the timing of the allegations and compared them to the criticism he confronted in 2000 when he first ran for the presidency.

"I do find the timing of this whole issue very interesting," McCain said. "And we're not going to stand for what happened to us in 2000. We're getting close to the primary. These allegations are coming out at a very interesting time, and I have never, ever done a favor for any lobbyist or special interest group."