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The revelation carried weight because the Review is owned by Sam Sellers, a former aide to Hutchinson. Sellers' decision to out his former boss has Arkansas Republicans reeling. With a friend like the Review, many are saying, state conservatives certainly don't need enemies.

In his July "From the Publisher" column, headlined "Broken Vows," Sellers wrote:

"As we go to print, the [Hutchinsons'] divorce papers are being filed and the separation is a done deal." He added: "As far as I know, though there has never been a 'that woman' in Hutchinson's life" -- referring to Clinton's denial of a sexual affair with "that woman, Ms. Lewinsky" -- Hutchinson "would have to admit there is a growing relationship with ... former legislative director, Randi Fredholm."

Almost immediately, the Donrey newspapers in Arkansas wrote about the affair, naming Fredholm and quoting the magazine. The Associated Press picked the story up and named Fredholm in its first version, but later accounts removed Fredholm's name.

Hutchinson, a Southern Baptist minister, voted to impeach the president. He is an ardent proponent of family values and a key member of the conservative Christian right. Hutchinson's brother, U.S. Rep. Asa Hutchinson, was one of the House impeachment managers.

Sellers, 32, defends his black-and-white, semi-glossy publication, which began in April. He touts the Review as a conservative political magazine, not an organ for the Republican Party of Arkansas. Look at it more like Arkansas' answer to the Weekly Standard, he says.

"We are duty bound to print the truth," says Sellers. "That isn't palatable to some people."

Sellers explains that as a conservative publication, the Review supports strong family values, which Hutchinson's affair and divorce violate.

As he wrote in his column: "And while we're troubled to report this sad news, Tim Hutchinson's office and his support of 'family values' make this a news story. I can empathize with, although not fully understand, the pressures under which Hutchinson has lived since being elected to Congress in 1992. I was with him that year as he grew into the office of Congressman. I was there as his legislative director showered him with praise. Fleeing temptation must have been tough."

In 1991, Sellers managed Hutchinson's first congressional campaign. When Hutchinson won, Sellers followed him to Washington and worked as press secretary for a year before returning to Arkansas. Donna Hutchinson, the senator's wife, introduced Sellers to the woman he eventually married. The senator served as the couple's pre-marital counselor, and later performed the ceremony. Sellers also knew Fredholm, who was Hutchinson's legislative director.

"I don't think Tim or Donna have taken any exception" with his column, says Sellers. Hutchinson's office did not return phone calls.

Sellers says he is disappointed in Hutchinson's divorce. "I'd be inhumane not to feel something," says Sellers, who stops short of calling Hutchinson a hypocrite.

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