The Paper of Record issues statement on its rejection of McCain’s op-ed on Iraq. Read it here.

Says it is “standard procedure” to “go back and forth with an author” on his or her submission.

Adds: “The New York Times endorsed Senator McCain as the Republican candidate…. We take his views very seriously.”

Earlier: Paper’s op-ed editor says the piece must “articulate, in concrete terms how Sen. McCain defines victory in Iraq.” Invites McCain to submit another draft.