http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/house-races/124205-bass-faces-ethics-questions-over-work-on-behalf-of-companyEx-Rep. Bass faces questions over work on behalf of company
By Michael O'Brien - 10/14/10 08:54 AM ET
Former Rep. Charlie Bass (R-N.H.) is under scrutiny for his work on behalf of a company in which he owns stock.
Financial disclosure forms suggest
Bass, who is campaigning to reclaim the House seat he lost in 2006, worked to benefit a company while owning stock in it, according to a report by the Nashua Telegraph. Bass told the newspaper the financial disclosure forms were filled out incorrectly.
The Telegraph reports on several issues in play. Financial disclosure forms filed by Bass in March 2007 report that he bought at least $500,000 in shares in the New England Wood Pellet company, which is owned by his nephew, in January and November 2006.
The Telegraph also says that Bass arranged a meeting for the company with a George W. Bush administration official in early 2006, after he may have purchased the stock. Bass also backed a tax credit in the House that might have benefited the company. snip//
Democrats are hoping the allegations will give Ann McLane Kuster, a favorite candidate of liberal groups, traction in her race against Bass for the seat. A spokesman for Kuster told the Telegraph that the report was "deeply troubling" and deserved further explanation.
An Oct. 5-7 poll by The Hill found Bass leading Kuster by 3 percent, a result within the survey's 4.9 percent margin of error.