Background and other key points are in the post below. (To see in context, just  re-click on the word ‘blog’ above if you use the link)

Axworthy has responded, he has apologized and has spoken to the man accused of making the call. Since the campaign worker has denied doing so, it’s up to investigators.

Liberal candidate Chris Axworthy has apologized to Conservative incumbent Maurice Vellacott after someone used a phone in Axworthy’s campaign office to falsely accuse Vellacott of sexual assault on a live televised candidates’ forum earlier this week.

Axworthy concedes the call came from his office but believes someone not connected to his campaign sneaked in and made the call.

Axworthy calls the sexual assault allegation deplorable. As a former justice minister, I’m sure he’ll be calling in authorities if that hasn’t already happened.

“In as much as it appears that our phones were misused and that the comments were hurtful to Mr. Vellacott, I offer my heartfelt apologies,” Axworthy said in the release.

“As anyone who has known my record in public life will attest, I do not campaign in this fashion or condone this type of conduct.”

Axworthy also says the worker accused of making the call “steadfastly denies any involvement.” Easy enough to check out.

Vellecott took 47% of the vote in his riding in 2004. Axworthy, a former provincial justice minister lost by  about 4500 votes. This is his second attempt at the federal seat.