A sleazy story for sure, but we'll see if anything ever comes of it.

via The NY Post

WASHINGTON — A day after Rep. Kevin McCarthy abruptly dropped out of the race for House speaker, Rep. Renee Ellmers stood before her GOP colleagues Friday to denounce as “bats- -t crazy” rumors they were having an affair.

Republicans had been inundated with daily e-mails from a GOP donor in Chicago, Steven Baer, claiming the two married legislators were romantically involved.

In a closed-door meeting, Ellmers took the microphone to deny the allegation, calling it “bats- -t crazy.”

She also apologized to fellow lawmakers, not for any wrongdoing, but for the flood of e-mails and for putting them in the middle of controversy.

Obligatory prayers required.

Ellmers (R-NC) later issued a statement saying she was the victim of a smear campaign.

“As someone who has been targeted by completely false accusations and innuendo, I have been moved by the outpouring of support and prayers from my colleagues, constituents and friends. Now I will be praying for those who find it acceptable to bear false witness,” the statement said.