Weiner's Latest 'Supporters:' Interns, Paid Actors

Latest ad features current and former intern; source says he's stacking own events
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 28, 2013 8:24 AM CDT
Updated Aug 28, 2013 9:28 AM CDT

And the hits keep coming for Anthony Weiner. The latest allegations: He studded his latest TV ad with current and former interns and has hired "supporters" to pack his events. The former claims comes courtesy of the NY Daily News, which found that two of the four "everyday" New York voters in the new ad list working or having worked for Weiner's campaigns on their LinkedIn profiles. The ad does not disclose either of the connections to Weiner. But a Weiner spokesperson defends their inclusion, saying they were never paid, and, "They are all real live supporters who have chosen Anthony Weiner."

The "never paid" bit cannot be said for some of the supporters at his events, if the New York Post's source is to be believed. The paper reports that the campaign has been forced to beef up his anemic crowds "several times" with the help of California firm Crowds on Demand. The source says some Weiner fans at the Aug. 11 Dominican Day Parade in NYC were actually paid $15 an hour to be there. The actors were tasked with seeming "like either supporters or people who met him and became supporters as a result of that encounter," says the source. Crowds on Demand had no comment, and Weiner's campaign issued a denial. (More Anthony Weiner stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X