Seven GOP contributors have agreed to pay civil fines for making illegal contributions to President Bush's re-election campaign, the Federal Election Commission said Monday.
The fines are part of a wider political scandal involving Ohio fundraiser Tom Noe, who in 2006 pleaded guilty to federal charges that he illegally funneled about $45,000 to the Bush campaign.
Noe gave $45,400 directly or indirectly to 24 friends and associates who, in turn, donated money to the Bush campaign using their own names. That allowed Noe to avoid the $2,000 federal limit on individual contributions.
All of the checks were written in the days leading up to a 2003 fundraiser at a downtown Columbus, Ohio, hotel.
Noe served nearly two years in federal prison on the fundraising charge. He is now serving an 18-year sentence for a separate conviction for stealing from an Ohio investment fund.
The FEC assessed civil penalties against seven of the donors, and took no action against 17 others:
_ Joseph F. Restivo $25,000
_ Donna Owens $9,000
_ Samuel S. Thurber $9,000
_ Margaret L. Thurber $9,000
_ Sally A. Perz $7,000
_ Howard D. Talbott $5,000
_ Betty K. Schultz $1,500
Restivo, who received the largest fine, told authorities he participated in the scheme at the request of Noe, who is his brother-in-law, the FEC said.
Authorities said Bush's campaign committee was not aware of the contribution scheme and unknowingly submitted a false campaign report to FEC officials.
Copyright 2009 AP News
