Political Tickler: Tipper Gore doesn't believe the allegations that a Portland masseuse made about her husband, former Vice President Al Gore, and according to a Wednesday article in People Magazine, the allegations played "no role whatsoever in the decision" of the couple to separate.

People Magazine interviewed a "close friend of the Gores'" for an article posted online regarding the couple's recent split and subsequent allegations against the former vice president.

The Portland Police Department re-opened an investigation on June 30 into massage therapist Molly Hagerty's allegation that Gore demanded sexual favors during a 2006 massage.

The magazine quotes a friend of the Gores who says that Tipper "feels strongly that people know she doesn't believe anything this woman is saying. She remains committed to Al and his reputation."

Full People article

The friend goes on to underscore the lack of contention in the couple's split, pointing out that both Gores went on a family vacation together last month after they had announced their separation.

"They were on a lake in Tennessee, with all the kids and grandkids. Doing lake stuff - waterskiing, cooking out," says the family friend. "They continue to be a tight family. That's not going to change."

The "friend close to the Gores" is also quoted in the People article saying that Tipper Gore "has known that massage has been very much a part of [the former VP's] health regimen for many, many, many years."

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