Report: Investigators Examining If Bachmann Used Campaign Funds To Promote Book

[DonViejo]

Source: TPM

TOM KLUDT 9:42 AM EDT, WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 2013

The Congressional ethics probe into Rep. Michele Bachmann's (R-MN) use of campaign funds has widened to examine whether the tea party lawmaker improperly used her presidential campaign to promote her autobiography, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Wednesday.

Two former aides to Bachmann told the Star Tribune that they've been questioned by investigators about the congresswoman's 2011 tour for her book, "Core of Conviction."

Both federal election laws and House ethics rules prohibit candidates from using campaign resources to promote their own books. That the former aides have been questioned about the book tour suggests that the the scope of the investigation has broadened. The probe initially centered around whether Bachmann mixed campaign funds with her political action committee, MichelePac.

William McGinley, Bachmann's campaign lawyer, insisted to the Star Tribune that the book tour was financed by the publisher, Sentinel/Penguin Group (USA). At a press conference last week, Bachmann was hustled out of the room by aides when reporters inquired about the ethics probe.

Read more: http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/report-invetigators-examining-if-bachmann-used-campaign-funds

[iandhr]

1. She's is deep ****

If the allegations prove true.

[eggplant]

2. wow, if that book title doesn't win the Irony of the Day award, I don't know what will. n/t

[AnotherMcIntosh]

3. The usage of such funds contrary to the Fed election laws is includible in gross income.

If she knew that the Fed election laws prohibit such usage and did not report it in her tax return(s), she should be subject to not only a tax liability for the unreported income but also be subject to tax penalties.