GOP strategist Roger Stone has been spotted in New York's 20th Congressional District, raising suspicions on the liberal blog the Albany Project that the well-known GOP operative is up to no good in the ongoing NY-20 vote count.

Stone, however, told the New York Daily News that he was simply visiting family and friends:

"My parents still live in Northern Westchester." Stone wrote. "I visited them at the end of last week and then drove up to the Albany area to see some friends...I certainly have no formal role in the recount. I have many friends of long standing who are involved."

When asked for further clarification by TPM, Stone referred back to his Daily News comment. But he did add: "I am highly confident Tedisco will win when the count is done."

The Tedisco campaign also told the Albany Times Union that they have had no contact with Stone, and he is not affiliated with them "in any capacity."

Stone is a colorful character, to say the least. For example, he has a tattoo of Richard Nixon on his back. (pdf)