Kelly Clarkson's album sales soar after supporting Ron Paul

Kelly Clarkson might have gotten a few harsh words from her Twitter followers over her endorsement of Ron Paul for President but the "American Idol" star also got a huge bump in album sales for the Tweet.

"I love Ron Paul. I liked him a lot during the last republican nomin! ation an d no one gave him a chance," Clarkson wrote on her Twitter page on December 28. "If he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he's got my vote. Too bad he probably won't."

In the past 24 hours, Clarkson's latest studio album "Stronger" went up 442 percent in sales on Amazon, according to the site's "Movers & Shakers in Music" chart. "Stronger" previously held the 38th spot on the list and, as of this writing, is in the no. 7 spot.

Many of the recent comments about the album on its Amazon page reflect that the sales bump is from Ron Paul supporters purchasing the album and applauding Clarkson for being outspoken about her political beliefs.

"You have balls of steel Kelly! Ron Paul 2012! Thank you for your support and remember that there are plenty of fellow patriots that have your back," a user named Sam wrote on December 30.

"I didn't own a Kelly Clarkson album before today.. I do now! Thanks for voting for Liberty and the Constitution," a user named Tammie wrote on December 30.

Clarkson's declaration angered some of her fans, who responded to the singer's Twitter account with claims that Ron Paul made racist and homophobic remarks in the past. Many of the Tweets referred to a newsletter Paul all! egedly w rote over a decade ago.

Ron Paul served in congress from 1979 to 1985. He was again elected into office in 1996 after a hiatus that began when he lost a bid for a Texas senate seat in 1984. While he was out of political office, his company Ron Paul & Associates published several newsletters, including one called "The Ron Paul Survival Report" that included anti-gay and racist comments, according to USA Today.

However, since the newsletters came to light in 2008, Paul has denied that he wrote the controversial remarks made in the newsletters.

"Nobody talked about it for 20 years until they found out that the message of liberty was making progress. And everybody knows I didn't write them, and it's not my sentiment," Paul told CBS News recently. "So it's sort of politics as usual."

"I am really sorry if I have offended anyone," Clarkson Tweeted on December 29 after the backlash. "Obviously that was not my intent. I do not support racism. I support gay rights, straight rights, women's rights, men's rights, white/black/purple/orange rights."

"I like Ron Paul because he believes in less government and letting the people (all of us) make the decisions and mold our country," she added. "That is all. Out of all of the Republican nominees, he's my favorite."

Clarkson told one fan, "I am a Republic! an but I actually voted Democrat last election."

The singer also responded to some hostile fans saying that she doesn't mind if people disagree with her.

"Man my eyes have been opened to so much hate tonight. If y'all ever disagree with something I say please don't feel the need to attack me," Clarkson wrote on Twitter. "I will listen to what you say and any articles or viewpoints you have when you say it with respect. Being hateful is not a healthy way to get people to see or hear you."

"I was raised to respect people and their decisions and beliefs and I hope you will grant me the same decency," she added. "If you don't agree with me simply unfollow me. It's really that easy."

Clarkson is one of the most successful "American Idol" contestants and is known for fast pop-rock songs that empower women and would likely appeal to those scorned by lovers, including "Miss Independent," Since U Been Gone" and "Behind Those Hazel Eyes."

In October, Clarkson performed on the ABC reality show "Dancing With The Stars" to promote "Stronger." (see photos).

The singer released her fifth studio album, "Stronger," on October 24.

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