Sheen Stumps for Real-Life Politician

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (AP) _ Actor Martin Sheen did some real-life politicking for a congressional candidate who used to work on his television series ``The West Wing.″

Sheen, who portrays fictional president Josiah Bartlett on the TV series, attended private fund-raisers Saturday in Charlotte and Richmond County for 8th District congressional candidate Beth Troutman.

Troutman, a Democrat who worked for four years as assistant to the executive producer of ``The West Wing,″ is trying to unseat Republican Rep. Robin Hayes.

Sheen made an appearance in Kannapolis, where thousands of jobs were lost last year when a textile plant shut down. He spoke with laid-off workers for about 30 minutes.

``I’m supporting Beth’s campaign for Congress,″ he said, standing across the street from the plant. ``This is a clear indication of what is happening all over this country.″

Sheen finished the day at a party at the Raleigh home of former Ambassador Jeanette Hyde.