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‘Bundlers’ Rake In Cash, Harbor Ethics Gaps

Candidates’ biggest spenders launder money and break laws

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 20, 2007 2:33 PM CDT

(Newser) – "Bundlers"—political fundraisers who solicit other donors to give—are a standard feature of the presidential race, and many remain favored by major campaigns despite unethical and even illegal conduct. The Post spotlights questionable rainmakers in the Norman Hsu scandal aftermath, including one Hillary donor who gave $160,000 and a country-club membership to a Bill appointee’s son.

The Edwards campaign made a strongly worded statement about political corruption this week—the same day a key Edwards bundler pled guilty to a conspiracy charge. Another donor was indicted for laundering $125,000 to the Dem hopeful. The Journal also uncovers a Hillary giver who claims her husband’s boss reimbursed them for donations made at the Clintons’ own home.

Disgraced Democratic fundraiser Norman Hsu, left, talks with his lawyer Eric Elliff at Hsu's appearance in Judge Brian Flynn's courtroom in the Mesa County Justice Center in Grand Junction, Colo., on Wednesday, Sept 19, 2007. Closer inspection of bundled donations to Democratic campaigns has revealed Hsu is not the only...
Disgraced Democratic fundraiser Norman Hsu, left, talks with his lawyer Eric Elliff at Hsu's appearance in Judge Brian Flynn's courtroom in the Mesa County Justice Center in Grand Junction, Colo., on...   (Associated Press)
William Lerach arrives with a box of shredded Enron documents in this file photo.
William Lerach arrives with a box of shredded Enron documents in this file photo.   (pat sullivan/ap photo)
Attorney William Lerach pleaded guilty this week to a conspiracy charge, inspiring Democratic candidate John Edwards to return Lerach's personal donations, but not the donations raised by Lerach from others.
Attorney William Lerach pleaded guilty this week to a conspiracy charge, inspiring Democratic candidate John Edwards to return Lerach's personal donations, but not the donations raised by Lerach from...   (Newser.com)
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks at a campaign rally in The Villages, Fla. on Wednesday, Sept 19, 2007. Among Romney's bundlers an individual was Alan Fabian, an individual who was charged in a 23-count indictment last month alleging mail fraud, money laundering, bankruptcy fraud, perjury and obstruction of justice....
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks at a campaign rally in The Villages, Fla. on Wednesday, Sept 19, 2007. Among Romney's "bundlers" an individual was Alan Fabian, an individual who was...   (Associated Press)
In addition to the controversy stirred up by Hsu, Senator Clinton's Hillraisers, donators who have contributed upwards of $100k, include other financiers linked to previous controversies.
In addition to the controversy stirred up by Hsu, Senator Clinton's "Hillraisers," donators who have contributed upwards of $100k, include other financiers linked to previous controversies.   (Getty Images)
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Questions are raised about "Bundlers."   (newsarchive (YouTube))

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