GOP leader McConnell's campaign alleges 'Watergate-style bugging' at headquarters; asks FBI to probe

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The FBI has been asked to look into whether Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's campaign headquarters was bugged after a recording of a private campaign meeting surfaced in a liberal-leaning magazine.

McConnell campaign manager Jesse Benton said his staff is working with the FBI because of what he called "Watergate-style tactics" to bug the office.

Mother Jones magazine published the recording of the February meeting in which McConnell aides were discussing research into potential Democratic challengers, including actress Ashley Judd, who later decided not to run. Aides talked on the recording about Judd's political positions, religious beliefs and mental health.

Benton said a recording device had been placed in McConnell's office without consent. Neither the FBI in Louisville nor the magazine immediately returned telephone calls seeking comment.

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