Reply #7: Backer of Swift Boat ads funds group targeting Hill

[chat_noir]

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - A group being behind automated phone calls attacking Democratic congressional candidate Baron Hill is being funded by the Republican donor who helped bankroll the Swift Boat attacks on Democratic Sen. John Kerry's war record.

Bob J. Perry, a Texas homebuilder with close ties to White House adviser Karl Rove and former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, recently donated $5 million to the Economic Freedom Fund, a newly created California group targeting Democratic candidates.

Among those candidates is Hill, who is seeking to regain the congressional seat he lost two years ago to Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Sodrel in southwestern Indiana's 9th District.

Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter is investigating the automated calls, which are illegal in Indiana unless the recipient agrees in advance to accept them.

Agency spokeswoman Staci Schneider said seven people have filed complaints about automated calls, at least four of which were about Economic Freedom Fund calls. The law against automated calls provides for civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.

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