One-time Republican presidential hopeful, Michele Bachmann’s, campaign has become the focus of a federal probe, over alleged ethics violations. Bachmann’s attorney confirmed reports that authorities belief that she, or one of her staff members, misused money raised for her failed White House bid.
Some of Bachmann’s staff members revealed that they were questioned by investigators working on behalf of the Office of Congressional Ethics. However, Bachmann has yet to be accused of breaking the law. “There are no allegations that the Congresswoman engaged in any wrongdoing,” said her attorney, William McGinley, in a statement. “We are constructively engaged with the OCE and are confident that at the end of their Review the OCE Board will conclude that Congresswoman Bachmann did not do anything inappropriate.”
OCE reviews are preliminary and can either be dismissed, or used to recommend a full investigation by the House Ethics Committee.
Former staff member, Peter Waldron, was among those interviewed. Waldron is currently in a battle against the Iowa native, alleging that she still owes him money, and paid for endorsements. Waldron claims that investigators will be speaking with “other staff members across the country.”
Fundraising issues helped to lampoon Bachmann’s campaign, which she suspended in January of 2012. Upon backing out of the race, she encouraged the party to rally behind the Republican nominee to “take back our country.”
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