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Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) is under investigation by the Office of Congressional Ethics for alleged misuse of campaign funds, her attorney confirmed Monday.
The probe was first reported by the Daily Beast. An OCE investigation is a preliminary probe; the office can either dismiss a case or recommend a full House Ethics Committee investigation. The OCE is a non-partisan, independent entity governed by an eight-person board made up of private citizens chosen by the House Speaker and minority leader. There is a 30-day preliminary review; if members decide there is reasonable cause to believe the allegations, a 45-day further review follows. Four members can vote to refer a matter to the Ethics Committee, and four members can vote to terminate a probe. The office does not have subpoena power.
Peter Waldron, who served as Bachmann’s national field coordinator in the 2012 presidential race, has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging that the lawmaker’s campaign improperly used leadership PAC funds to pay presidential campaign staff. Consultant Guy Short, he alleges, was paid with MichelePAC funds. He also charges that payments to Bachmann’s Iowa campaign chairman, state Sen. Kent Sorenson, were concealed due to ethics rules that bar legislators from being employed by campaigns. Both Bachmann and Sorenson have denied those allegations
In January Waldron accused Bachmann’s team of not paying Iowa staffers and of attempting to force them to sign non-disclosure agreements that would prohibit them from discussing any immoral, unethical or criminal behavior with the media, the police or an attorney. Woolson says that all staffers were paid in full.....snip~
Michele Bachmann faces congressional ethics probe
Looks like they may have Bachmann and may take it the full route thru the Ethics Committee. Wonder what this Waldron guy has against her as this isn't the first time he has brought stuff out on her. Thoughts?
The probe was first reported by the Daily Beast. An OCE investigation is a preliminary probe; the office can either dismiss a case or recommend a full House Ethics Committee investigation. The OCE is a non-partisan, independent entity governed by an eight-person board made up of private citizens chosen by the House Speaker and minority leader. There is a 30-day preliminary review; if members decide there is reasonable cause to believe the allegations, a 45-day further review follows. Four members can vote to refer a matter to the Ethics Committee, and four members can vote to terminate a probe. The office does not have subpoena power.
Peter Waldron, who served as Bachmann’s national field coordinator in the 2012 presidential race, has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging that the lawmaker’s campaign improperly used leadership PAC funds to pay presidential campaign staff. Consultant Guy Short, he alleges, was paid with MichelePAC funds. He also charges that payments to Bachmann’s Iowa campaign chairman, state Sen. Kent Sorenson, were concealed due to ethics rules that bar legislators from being employed by campaigns. Both Bachmann and Sorenson have denied those allegations
In January Waldron accused Bachmann’s team of not paying Iowa staffers and of attempting to force them to sign non-disclosure agreements that would prohibit them from discussing any immoral, unethical or criminal behavior with the media, the police or an attorney. Woolson says that all staffers were paid in full.....snip~
Michele Bachmann faces congressional ethics probe
Looks like they may have Bachmann and may take it the full route thru the Ethics Committee. Wonder what this Waldron guy has against her as this isn't the first time he has brought stuff out on her. Thoughts?
