RNC demands investigation of Obama campaign contributions

Presidential candidate allegedly accepted foreign contributions, took more than the $2,300 maximum from donors who donate in small increments.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Obama big head 224.88 (photo credit: AP)
Obama big head 224.88
(photo credit: AP)
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has not done enough to screen out illegal campaign contributions, the Republican Party said Sunday, asking US election officials examine the issue. According to the popular American website Newsmax , the Republican National Committee claimed Obama had accepted contributions from foreigners and taken more than the $2,300 maximum from donors who donate in small increments. Obama's campaign denied the claim. The RNC said it would ask the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to meticulously check Obama's records. The Obama campaign could be fined if it is found guilty of violations by the FEC, but any decision is expected to come after the November 4 presidential election. Obama spokesman Bill Burton said the campaign of rival presidential candidate John McCain had to return over $1.2 million to donors who potentially broke the law with their contributions, including money from foreign nationals. "Our campaign has shattered fund-raising records with donations from more than 2.5 million Americans. We have gone above and beyond the transparency requirements," Burton said. "While no organization is completely protected from Internet fraud, we will continue to review our fund-raising procedures to ensure that we are taking every available to step to root-out improper contributions," he said. However, Republicans said the Obama campaign had not done enough to stop illegal donations. "It seems to the RNC that the Obama campaign knew they were excessive," RNC chief counsel Sean Cairncross said in a conference call. "Yet they appear to have taken no action on their own." "We see a lack of control, a lack of willingness on the part of the Obama campaign to ask relevant questions," he continued.