A dispute between two New Zealand political parties could leave a "stain" on relations with the United States, the U.S. ambassador said.
Winston Peters, leader of New Zealand First, released an e-mail Tuesday that he said links National Party leader Don Brash to U.S. campaign consultants. Brash denied hiring the consultants, Sam Van Voorhis and Curt Anderson, to work on last year's election.
On Wednesday, Peters released a second e-mail from Van Voorhis and Anderson offering their services to National, TVNZ reported.
Peters said there is nothing wrong with National getting campaign advice from overseas, but the e-mail contradicts Brash's claim that he did not know about outside strategists. Brash said the e-mail does not prove he misled the public.
"Two people in the United States offered their assistance to New Zealand," said Brash. "We considered the offer and turned it down."
U.S. Ambassador William McCormick said he was concerned about the effect the dispute could have on U.S.-New Zealand relations.
"When things shake out later on and it's found out we didn't do what was suspected," he said, "...the stain still remains."
© Copyright 2006 by United Press International
