Sharpton's campaign expenses stall at five dollars and forty-three cents.
Metro

NEW YORK -- Like his rivals for president, the Rev. Al Sharpton has consultants, a spokesman, a masseuse, a Web site and a heavy travel schedule, visiting more than 80 cities by his count in just a few months.

What the preacher doesn't have is much in the way of campaign expenses.

Although some of his Democratic opponents have spent more than a million dollars so far, Sharpton's campaign filings say he has spent only five dollars and forty-three cents; and nearly half of that was blown on a pack of coconut Zingers and three Jolly Ranchers.

But a New York Daily News examination of Sharpton's campaign finances raises questions about whether he has disclosed all of his spending as required by law. The paper reports an eye witness having seen Sharpton with six jelly donuts, two Mountain Dews and a large pickle from the 48th St. Deli. These items were never mentioned in Sharpton’s April campaign finance disclosure form.

Sharpton and his campaign manager, Frank Watkins, insist no violations of federal election law have occurred. However, when it comes to Sharpton's finances, there often are more questions than answers.

For example, he's the only candidate who once said under oath that he didn't own his boxer-briefs but only had "access" to them. Proving this fact, Sharpton produced a photo of Frank Watkins wearing the exact same pair. In addition, the Reverend’s personal secretary provided testimony to the fact that others in the office have been seen wearing Mr. Sharpton’s underpants.

Watkins acknowledged, Sharpton's campaign expenses, so far, have totaled far less than any of the other candidates but this should show the American people that a Sharpton Administration would make wise choices when it comes to spending the public’s money. “ If we’re able to campaign hard for two months on only five dollars and forty-three cents, just imagine what we’d be able to do with a budget of trillions”, Watkins said.