Roger Stone Surfside, Fla./New York City

Résumé:

First started in politics as an aide to President Nixon's re-election campaign in 1972. When Nixon won, he landed a job in the Office of Economic Development. Soon he entered business with Charlie Black, McCain's main strategist, and their firm was hired by the Bush 1988 presidential campaign.

Manager of Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler's press and public relations division; blogger at www.StoneZone.com.

Power/Influence:

An expert on opposition research and a legend among GOP operatives, he's known for not being afraid to cross any boundary. Republican operatives fear him for his ability to create limitless bad news for anyone who attracts his wrath. One apparent example: Former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer. The New York Post reported that it was Stone who tipped off the FBI about Spitzer's tryst with a prostitute.

Role in Campaign '08:

He geared up to stop Hillary during the primaries. Will Sen. Barack Obama be his next target?

Who Knew: Employs a full-time veritable bodyguard nicknamed "A-Mill."

 

 

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