Etheridge video linked to conservative ambush website

The video showing U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge of North Carolina manhandling a student interviewer first appeared on a website known for ambush techniques.

Etheridge on Monday apologized for his part in the confrontation.

Francis X. Gilpin of the Fayetteville Observer located in the Democratic congressman's home district reports that "the video surfaced on a website operated by conservative Internet guru Andrew Breitbart.

"A Breitbart website was the first place to showcase a video last year of workers for ACORN, a community organizing group, counseling actors posing as a pimp and prostitute."

The Etheridge footage quickly made it onto the Drudge Report website, where Breitbart has worked as an editor.

Gilpin also reported that Andrew Whalen, executive director of the state Democratic Party, doubted Etheridge's encounter with the young men in the video was a chance meeting.

"I think there was a coordinated effort here to get this kind of reaction," Whalen told Gilpin.

Read the complete story by Gilpin HERE.