On the campaign front, Democratic presidential candidate Al Sharpton accused his rival Howard Dean of promoting a “anti-black agenda” and Sharpton said Dean opposed affirmative action and supported the death penalty and the National Rifle Association. Sharpton’s comments came shortly after it was announced that Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. of Illinois, the son of the civil rights leader, planned to endorse Dean. Dean’s campaign responded by saying the former Vermont governor has long been a strong supporter of affirmative action.