The writer is clearly a liberal, but there is no conflict of interest. The charge is that the husband contributed to Dems. So what? Indeed, in my view, a reporter contributing to campaigns is not a conflict of interest either, although most don't do it, to avoid the issue (just try to keep one's preferences in the closet is the idea, when I think being upfront is more honest and valuable). Reporters are citizens too. What would be a conflict of interest is some connection to a campaign other than contributing money.
If they want to pretend to be in a "profession" like CPAs, lawyers, doctors, etc., they (and, yes, their families) need to conduct themselves like professionals.
Her husband is not only a Dem contributor (which compromises the appearance of objectivity), but is a past and potential member of government when Democrats are in power. As noted, their family fortunes would improve in a Dem administration, as hubby had a job in the previous administration and appears to expect one (or a consulting contract) if Kerry wins. This compromises objectivity IN FACT. No one would expect a person in Ms. Loven's situation to be objective, and no self-respecting news organization would assign her to the prez beat based on her husband's situation.
Again, imagine the wife of a Halliburtion executive who spent time in the Bush 41 Administration getting to cover the prez beat for AP. They would stop it dead in its tracks, AND RIGHTLY SO. So why does Ms. Loven get a pass?