The McCain campaign has vigorously denied reports that Republican vice-presidential pick Sarah Palin had a steamy extramarital affair with her husband's business partner.

- Palin reports

- 'Vicious' rumours

- 'Smearing must end'

'Vicious lie' ... Sarah Palin waves to the crowd following her speech at the Republican National Convention. Credit:AP

The story, which appeared just hours before Mrs Palin was due to address the Republican convention today, was branded "scurrilous" by McCain chief strategist Steve Schmidt, who said it was "a vicious lie".

Photo gallery: Levi meets McCain



"The smearing of the Palin family must end," he said.