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A veteran reporter from Boston got under Mitt Romney’s skin during a South Carolina stop yesterday after he aggressively challenged the former Bay State governor’s claim that he does not have lobbyists “running” his campaign.

“I’m appreciative that you think that’s funny,” a clearly annoyed Romney told Associated Press political reporter Glen Johnson, who sat feet away on the floor with his laptop.

Johnson had interrupted a press conference in which Romney said flatly that lobbyists are not directing his White House bid.

“That’s not true,” Johnson said, pointing out that Romney’s top adviser is Ron Kaufman, a Washington lobbyist who worked on President Bush’s campaign. “How can you say you don’t have lobbyists running your campaign?”

With TV and video cameras rolling, Romney and the reporter argued over Kaufman’s role, with Johnson pointing out that Kaufman is a member of Romney’s inner circle. Kaufman, who works for the politically wired lobbying firm Dutko Worldwide, regularly sits next to Romney on planes between campaign stops. In Michigan on Tuesday night, he held an impromptu press conference during which he described himself as a top adviser.

“Ron is a wonderful friend, an adviser,” Romney said. “He’s not paid. He’s an adviser like many others, but I do not have lobbyists running my campaign.”

Johnson noted in a story he penned after the flare-up that another top Romney adviser is former U.S. Rep. Vin Weber (R-Minn.), who is also a lobbyist.

After the heated exchange, Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom scolded Johnson, telling him “save your opinions.”

“Keep your arguments for later,” Fehrnstrom said. “Act more professionally instead of being argumentative with the candidate. It’s out of line. You’re out of line.”

Johnson declined comment last night, saying The Associated Press would let the story and video “speak for itself.”

Romney and AP reporter’s heated exchange:
+ Video: Heated exchange