Whatever the merits (or lack thereof) of the statements that Parker is alleged to have made about Sharpe, the case will almost certainly be dismissed. Sharpe is a public figure, and it is nearly impossible for a public figure to win a case based upon an alleged libel or slander. 

BTW, Rock, it's been charged (by no less than Erik Engquist) that relatives of one close Sharpe associate received payments from Noach (or should I say Noah?) Dear for services rendered to his campaign, which would seem to have some relevance to the comments allegedly made by Senator Tyson (I mean, Parker). I'm not saying you had anything to do with your relatives' actions (Lord knows, even a figure as formidable as Lew Fidler can't control his own in-laws), but since I assume you speak to most of the members of your own family, perhaps you can contact them concerning this matter and then enlighten us on what they have to say about it.  

 Gatemouth:  My father sired 9 kids and adopted 3 more. In 2002 one of my brothers (due to his friendship with James Archibald-who worked for Noach Dear), did some work for Dear's campaign, around GOTV.

• It is possible that he may have used a cousin or two of ours, to help him in this endeavour. In 2004 ( the year Sharpe ran against Parker and Dear), I know my brother 9the same one) did the identical GOTV work for the Sharpe Campaign. He has done this work for barron, Evans, and other political candidates all obver this country over the years.

I told einquist this many times , but i don't know why this is an issue. I have never had a political relationship with dear. i spoke to his campaign manager two or three times over the years. i have met Dear at various community events, like debates etc. That's it. My lifetime political involvement  has been fuelled by my idealism , not by my need for money. Sorry to dissappoint you guys. Anyone can check my reputation in political circles. I help out candidates pro-bono most of the time. Sharpe has never paid me a dime.

Never got a dime from Sharpe? Too bad; it's my understanding is that Wellington's in no need of charity.

As to your lack of conection with Dear; I see no reason not to take you at your word. Nonetheless, it would not be unreasonable for a well informed person to draw the line of connection from Sharpe to you to your relatives to Dear. It's the same sort of thing we do when we draw the lines between Clarence Norman and Carl Andrews, and sometimes, by extension to Eliot Spitzer. There is no connection between  between the crimes for which Norman has been convicted and Eliot Spitzer, but Spitzer would not have a justiciable action for libel if Maurice Gumbs or Rock Hackshaw (or Gatemouth) drew the map.  

As such, Sharpe has no case against Parker. Maybe he should have sued for the assault instead.  

Seems like old times.