... "We ask for respect for our privacy and that of our family, and we do not intend to comment further." Gore's spokeswoman later confirmed the validity of the e-mail.... The news stunned many political watchers -- the duo's mutually affectionate manner on the campaign trail did much to enliven Al Gore's stuffy image -- but also good friends. "I'm shocked -- beyond shocked," said Chris Downey, a close friend for many years who said she spoke to Tipper last week. "This is the least likely course of events I could imagine." ... The Los Angeles Times reported last month...