Sharpton Campaign a Republican Plot?

Is the Rev. Al Sharpton working with Republicans to torpedo Democrat chances of locking up the black vote in this year's presidential election?

That's just one of the questions raised by the Village Voice this week, in a bombshell report that details the curious relationship between GOP strategist Roger Stone and the civil rights leader-turned presidential hopeful.

Describing Stone as "a longtime Republican dirty-tricks operative," the Voice said he is "financing, staffing, and orchestrating the presidential campaign of Reverend Al Sharpton."

The paper says it has documented "an extraordinary array of connections" and calls Stone's role in the Sharpton campaign "pivotal."

So far, claims the Voice, Stone has orchestrated Sharpton's application for federal matching funds and has even helped the Harlem Democrat raise cash from "family members and political allies at odds with everything Sharpton represents."

Stone has been overheard "boasting" about engineering six-figure loans to Sharpton's National Action Network, the paper said - and he went so far as to allow the radical reverend to use his personal credit card to cover campaign costs.

In a personal interview Stone told the Voice that he had indeed helped Sharpton staff his campaign and aided in obtaining matching funds, but refused to comment on any personal cash subsidies.

For his part the Democrats' only African-American in the race told the Voice that he can "talk to anyone I want," citing Bill Clinton's use of pollster Dick Morris, who also worked for Republicans.

And he seemed to confirm the allegation that Stone wouldn't, saying, "If he did let me use his credit card to cover NAN expenses, fine."

"I'm sick of these racist double standards," Sharpton complained.

Editor's note:
Al Sharpton vows revenge against Hillary: Click here now

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2004 Elections