Source:
The HillFranken asks FEC to probe U.S. Chamber's funding after report
By Michael O'Brien - 10/06/10 03:36 PM ET
Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) asked the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on Wednesday to investigate the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's funding for its political activities.
Franken wrote FEC Chairman Matthew Petersen to ask for a probe into whether the Chamber is indirectly using money from foreign corporations to finance its political operations, which have largely targeted Democrats, this cycle.
"I am writing to ask that you investigate these claims, enforce existing laws and regulations prohibiting foreign spending in American elections, and strengthen those very last through new regulations and policy guidance," Franken wrote.
The senator's letter comes on the heels of a report by the liberal blog ThinkProgress that suggested the Chamber, through foreign-based affiliates, has raised money for its general operations, a pool of money that is "commingled" with the business advocacy group's political spending fund.
Read more:
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/123017-franken-asks-fec-to-probe-us-chambers-funding