Republicans Accuse Dems of Using IRS Audits to Bully Conservative Groups
- Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:32pm by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) is hoping to investigate conservative groups and their political activities. But some are calling it partisan bullying. (Photo: AP)
Congressional Republicans are accusing Democrats and administration officials of leaking privileged IRS information and using invasive audits to bully conservative groups, the New York Times says, and they are not happy about it.
The first charge by Republicans Senators centers around a senior Obama administration official who may have improperly accessed the tax records of Koch Industries, an oil company whose owners are major conservative donors, while the second charge lambastes Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) for scoping the funding activities of historically conservative tax-exempt groups.
According to the Times, the Treasury Department has opened up an investigation regarding allegations by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)* and six other Republican senators who claim a senior administration official disclosed confidential taxpayer information regarding Koch Industries — whose owners are major conservative donors — during a conference call with journalists.
During that call, the official pointed to Koch Industries as an example of “multibillion-dollar businesses that are structured as partnerships in ways that allow them to avoid paying sizable corporate taxes.”
Grassley believes that statement implied “direct knowledge of Koch’s legal and tax status,” in possible violation of taxpayers’ privacy laws, and may have been “politically motivated,” the Times says.
The White House is calling the ordeal a misunderstanding, saying in a statement that “The official’s statement was not based on any review of tax filings and we will not use this example in the future.”
Major conservative donors are not the only target this campaign season. The Times says that Sen. Baucus asked the IRS last week to conduct a broad review into “major” tax-exempt organizations to determine if any were misusing their tax-exempt status. Tax-exempt (or non-profit) groups are generally not allowed to engage in political activities.
That comes on the heels of Democrat complaints “that well-financed conservative groups … have improperly exploited gaps in federal tax and campaign finance law to finance attacks on Democratic candidates,” the Times reports.
In that spirit, liberal groups such as Think Progress and Move On have specifically attacked the Chamber of Commerce for “improperly funneling money for political work through its nonprofit arm,” including accusations that it has accepted donations from overseas corporations to use for political reasons (violating a ban on foreign involvement in campaigns).
But Republican Sens. Orrin Hatch of Utah and Jon Kyl of Arizona attacked any such IRS investigations in a letter sent to the I.R.S. on Wednesday.
“I.R.S. audits and investigations are specifically intended to be separated from the political process,” the letter said. “We expect the I.R.S. will adhere to those standards despite requests to the contrary from high-level political officials.”
*(Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article listed Sen. Grassly as a Democrat.)
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Comments (136)
Ono Nadagin
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:18pmMan Hillary really hosed the Dems by getting caught using the FBIs files against political foes… if she had been as slick as Willy just think what the Obama admin and the Dems could do to us now…
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:14pmA regime of thugs is using thug tactics ?
Report Post »I’m shocked ! shocked I tellya !!
firstHat
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 6:16pmOr as they say at Passover, how is tonight different from any other.
Report Post »:-)
Danaman
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:13pmIf obama was a republican he would have been impeached 8 months ago , no doubt.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:11pmhmm Chamber of Commerce=small business= Capitalism=opposition to socialist policies?
Report Post »The Commies next step WOULD be INTIMIDATION! Scare everyone quiet! SLEAZY SOB’S! ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK.
(Joe the plumber, Sarah Palin, Meg Whitman, and quite a few other individuals already know this first hand) Now it’s GROUPS? Just more of the same Alinsky crap.
Danaman
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:10pmTypical from Obama. Chicago thugery! Obama should be impeached for high crimes misdemeanors
Report Post »skepticalbecausesomeoneneedstobe
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:10pmi like max baucus
i know him personally
The Cons should have nothing to fear if their innocent.
so if the cons thought the dems were doing something fishy they wouldnt look into it?
Since when is concern over money bullying? its important to know how your party treats industry and how its funds circulate.
Report Post »calebgs83
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:30pmReally…So if the IRS started auditing you personally every year simply because you donated to the opposing political party you would be fine with it…yea right…wise up.
Report Post »M31Sailor
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:48pmMuch like Obummers Transparent Admin?
Report Post »Typical dem/lib/prog/soc/comm attitude of ““but not my Sen”
Dems seem to never care about money, they can print it or steal it from working Americans
Democrats vote Nov 3
troyvar
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 5:50pmIt‘s time that we look into the union’s funding of political action.
Report Post »roberja
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:01pmoops! Got caught with their hand in the cookie jar! Of course the White house denies any wrong doings – “We’re sorry, we didn’t mean it!” Playground bullies never fight fair! Vote in November and solve this problem. PS Get rid of ACORN!
Report Post »Expatmon
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:01pmOrwellian. You have no idea. If you take the time to read the FATCA portions of the HIRE Act, you will see the US has enacted the first part of the OECD’s model tax code. We are completely in the throws of the one world government implementation. It’s not just the US, by the way, all the G20‘s are in on it and they don’t even try to hide it. Just read the remarks from the IRS commissioner to the OECD and he lays it all out for you. All the financial information is now freely exchanged amongst all the member countries. In short, they’re trying to eliminate anywhere to hide. It’s here ladies and gentlemen.
Report Post »bbquizzle
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 5:29pmEver read Revelations?
Report Post »DanStlMo
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:00pmLet’s just get rid of the IRS, along with 90% of the other alphabet agencies ruining business in this country.
Report Post »emertz8413
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:00pmJust another “misunderstanding” from this administration. Maybe we could give Mr. Rangle’s taxes another glance, Huuummm?
Report Post »calebgs83
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:54pmThis is tyranny…they are using their power to violate our first amendment rights. We the people must demand equal justice…politicians who violate our laws should go to prison…NO MORE DOUBLE STANDARDS FOR THE RULING CLASS!
Report Post »mamawalker
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:05pmI am waiting for all politicians on both sides of the aisle (Fed and State) to take a “voluntary” 20% pay cut (along with cuts to their benefits) as most Americans have done! Along with term limits, equal justice should be in the top ten things we hold all elected officials to starting in November!!!
Report Post »BoilitDown
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:53pm“Ruling Class Gone Wild”: Now there‘s some videos I’d buy.
Report Post »Are there no laws anymore? Is there no one to enforce laws?
Leaking IRS information must certainly be a federal offence. Let’s face it, our government is being controlled by thugs and outlaws. That is nothing to be taken lightly.
The knowledge of how they’re betraying the American people only fuels our anger.
bbquizzle
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 5:28pmOrder within the next 30 minutes, and we’ll send you “The Oval Orifice: The Clinton Escapades” ABSOLUTELY FREE!! (plus S&H)
Report Post »KenInIL
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:52pmNot any different than Klein releasing Alan West SSN. This stuff needs to have criminal penalties attached not just be unethical. If one of Klein’s people had to go to jail for the “over site”, it wouldn’t have happened. Too many folks get away with leaks the violate peoples rights, natl security, etc. and no one goes to jail.
Report Post »truthncharity
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:52pm“The White House is calling the ordeal a misunderstanding, saying in a statement that “The official’s statement was not based on any review of tax filings and we will not use this example in the future.””
Translation: The White House is saying “we got caught”, but that guy that said something didn’t really see the tax files (someone else actually did and just told him about it), we’ll try not to **** up next time.
Report Post »TruthDarts
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:11pmABSOLUTELY on the Nosie !!!
Report Post »5
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:51pmThe IRS have been giving Conservatives are hard time for 2 years. The best thing to do is be right with your money.
Report Post »65andmyownman
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 12:04amBoy, Do you have a lot to learn!
Report Post »MrButcher
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:50pmi can’t wait until we get a new majority in congress and the investigations of this admin that will follow.
Report Post »democratgirl
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:41pmThere will NOT be any investigations. WHY? They will work out a deal behind closed doors. Believe me, Rhino Republicans are just as bad as the Democrats. They are ALL narcissists and career politicians.
Report Post »RESTORATION1787
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:00pmInvestigate? Investigate what? This is the most transparent Administration and Congress in history! Nothing to see here. Move along please. And the Rhinos will!
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:50pmBulling, well it is the primary “liberal: tactic in all things.
Report Post »cubanbob
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:47pmthis is just as bad as watergate
Report Post »mygirl1
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:05pmThe IRS has been wielded as a club ever since it’s inception. Every administration has used it to get whoever goes against the prevailing powers in office. I remember reading a tiny little article in Jan of 09 that stated that the IRS was ramping up to hire 1,600 new agents (or was it 16,000) and this was BEFORE healthcare, stimulus etc. Seems the take-over was well planned prior to the elections
Report Post »CNK
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:45pmI never knew how sleazy Max Baucus is until the healthcare debate began way back when. But this guy is just another sleazy democrat who’ll have no power after election day. What I’m afraid of is exactly this kind of stuff happening, in this case the IRS. Obama will be doing more of this once there’s a congress in place to stop his agenda. Obama will be handing out executive orders like I change underwear.Which is everyday.
Is there anything we can do? If Obama gets around congress with executive orders.
Report Post »computerdweller
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:13pmYes. If we take the senate we can stop bad judges being placed.
Report Post »We can investigate all sorts of constitutional violations by the administration and executive branches.
The people impinged by the executive order can bring actions through the courts.
In short we can stall things untill we can fix it all in 2012.
TeaPartyPatriot
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:40pmBetween now and election day, watch for the IRS to announce a massive audit of FOX NEWS that will require that the network stop all operations until the audit is is finished. Remember, this is “change we can believe in”.
Report Post »CNK
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:48pmIf they have the power to do this, it won’t matter who wins election day. They would have already won and will continue to govern regardless of who wins. Elections will mean nothing.
Report Post »OnFire
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 4:03pmIt will also be the most poorly thought-of idea they can come up with.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 4:06pmI have thought for months now that something would emerge in October to counter the election process. I’m still watching for the signs. This is probably the most ruthless bunch we have ever had in power. People should be very afraid of these guys, all of them. A group of imbeciles running the country could be an improvement.
Report Post »TruthDarts
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 5:17pmAnd ROUND TWO will be take over TELECOMMUNICATIONS “for the good of the Nation” and “civil discourse”….blah, blah, blah.
Hand me an air sick bag cuz Liberal Progressive Fabian Society—makes me want to PUKE!
Report Post »bbquizzle
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 5:25pm@HKS
Be on the lookout for an excuse to declare Martial Law. It’s gotta be coming…
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:39pmthe obama administration has been doing this since day one
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:23pmObama has been doing such cr@p even longer.
Report Post »Remember
Obama got a judge to unseal ( and then make public ) the SEALED divorce transcripts of his political rival , when he ran for senate. That inspite when children were involved.
His regime implements his malice
Contrarian51
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 7:12pmI don’t believe I could be less surprised.
Report Post »solaveritas
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:39pmDidn’t we go down this road with Clinton and those 200+ IRS files that were “accidentally” sent to the White House?
Now its “Chicago style politics” on a Federal Level.
Chicago is broke! Let get the Chicago people out of Washington D.C. before the do the same to the USA!
Report Post »TruthDarts
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:21pmToo Late…we are broke.
Report Post »mjbeejr
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:38pmThey did this back during Clinton’s administration too!
Report Post »TruthDarts
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:20pmMJBEEJR…yep.
And ROUND TWO will be take over TELECOMMUNICATIONS “for the good of the Nation” and “civil discourse”….blah, blah, blah.
Hand me an air sick bag cuz Liberal Progressive Fabian Society—makes me want to PUKE!
Report Post »bbquizzle
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 5:23pm@Truthdarts
Just imagine it! NPR, MSNBC, and HuffPo being the only “approved” media outlets. How long before the Department of Truth arises?
Report Post »wingedwolf
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:38pmOf course they will!
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:37pmIf we don’t vote the dems out, this will only get worse. Please everyone makes sure you vote 11/2 and if necessary provide rides for others to vote. GET THE VOTE OUT SO WE CAN GET THE DEMS OUT.
Report Post »FreedomOfSpeech
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:45pmI agree. The infringements on our rights under Obama go far beyond what was done post-9/11. Sometimes I call my friends and drop key words on the call for fun. You know NSA is working domestically. The States need to take back power from the Feds or we are all going to be living in a George Orwell book.
Report Post »Independent Tess
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:46pmI expected this.
Report Post »cubber
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:51pm@freedomofspeech – The people need to take back the power from the government.
Report Post »tobywil2
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:08pmThe income tax as a political weapon
The income tax has been used as a political weapon since Herbert Hoover. FDR was the first to use the IRS openly against political enemies. FDR’s use of the IRS to destroy his political enemy, Huey Long and protect a political allies like Frank Hague, a Jersey City political boss are historical fact. President Nixon use of the IRS was notorious. Others also used the IRS against political enemies but it is more difficult to obtain the proof as the time frame approaches the present. See chapter 11 and 12 of “21st Century Common Sense” for ore on this abuse by political leaders.
The use of the Bureaucracy and the Justice System to punish political dissent, extort political support and reward political cronies is the greatest danger to the American Revolution. An independent counsel should be appointed to investigate and prosecute the use of the government’s monopoly on force for political purposes by incumbent politicians.
http://commonsense21c.com/
Report Post »klstj
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:19pmHow long before they work down to us? Next, if your registered republican or a member of freedom works, we’ll all be on a hit list. I put nothing past these people.
Report Post »RightWrite
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:24pmIsn’t this minimally a violation a ethical behavior, and could easily be seen as fraud and misappropriation of government resources? Attack these criminals, and don’t let up.
Report Post »Polwatcher
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:28pmThe Dems will do anything they think they can get away with and there is no watch dog media keeping track. The Repubs have the MSM watchdog media watching them close.
Report Post »Beckofile
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:28pmThe little guy just got attacked in the Obamacare. A 1099 for anyone you pay more then $600 in one year? Do I have to 1099 my kids for their allowance? It is $20 a week. Do I have to 1099 Costco every few months? This is getting scary folks…VOTE VOTE VOTE and then watch out for RINO’s and VOTE in 2012. Get your alternative investments in order before 2011
Report Post »ILFarmer
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 4:03pmFirst a whisper, then a nudge, then a shout. Only thing after that is a Cattle Prod up the wazoo. Well, I guess there is always government sanctioned murder after that, but like Eugenics, it doesn’t move the population, only dwindles it.
Report Post »beekeeper
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 4:07pmUnheard-of! I have never heard of Dems violating an opponents privacy to help win a campaign… Nope, not a one: http://www.wbaltv.com/politics/5004239/detail.html
Report Post »ehfree
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 4:14pmYes, vote all of those rotten bast*rds out this November! And when the Republicans take over Congress, make sure that we all stay on top of them as well. We don’t want them getting too comfortable like they did last time.
Report Post »VegasGuy
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 4:43pmBoth parties have abused their opponents with the IRS. Let this be a reminder that if a law or government entity has the potential for abuse, someone in the government is going to abuse it. The Patriot Act come to mind.
Report Post »claymoremacm
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 5:05pmSeems like a good reason to get rid of the IRS and have a 2% national sales tax WITH a balance budget with these funds.PREIOD
Report Post »Robert W
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 7:21pmIm shocked.
Report Post »uncleherbert
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 7:37pmI am with you Marylou, God Bless.
Report Post »democratgirl
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:36pmI would suggest, after reading all these comments, that you PREPARE for the worst, meaning, stock up on food (staples), PAY OFF YOUR BILLS (very important!), GET RID OF YOUR STOCKS (sell of those bills!), try to find investments that the government can’t grab from you (IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME, FOLKS that they will get your 401l – THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT IT ALREADY), AND STOCK UP ON BULLETS, because it won’t be pretty after the election. IF YOU THINK THE PROGRESSIVES WILL ALLOW CONSERVATIVES TO TAKE BACK CONGRESS AND THE SENATE, you would be very foolish. We are not dealing with level-headed progressives. These people are ruthless AND A LOT OF THEM ARE JUST PURE EVIL, so protect yourselves. I happen to have a Concealed Carry license, so when we go to vote, guess what? DOES CLINT EASTWOOD REMIND YOU OF ANYTHING? But, be sure you obey the law. Do not lower your standards to theirs. THE NEXT MONTH AND NEXT 2 YEARS WILL SHOW US ALL HOW EVIL THESE PEOPLE REALLY ARE. You ain’t seen nothing yet…..it is about to get a whole lot worse. BE FIRM AND BOLD IN YOUR BELIEFS. Protect your family and just do the right thing because WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND. Progressives will never be sorry. They will just go hide somewhere and regroup – SO DO NOT LET YOUR GUARD DOWN – EVER. God bless America, home of the FREE and the BRAVE (true patriots).
Report Post »independentvoteril
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:57pmdemocratgirl..Your right on being prepared however, while it SEEMS there are a lot of PROGRESSIVES they only have 17-20% who are Progressive/extreme liberals.. it’s just they are basking in the sun at this second.. that will soon change.. what the problem will be is IF the Republicans fail to create another Industrial Revolution so we have jobs.. now that will cause a REAL problem.. I don’t see any problem at the polls TO MANY ARE WATCHING.. they may try a little voter fraud but again to many eyes.. I am concerned also that they are artificially stimulating the stock market and let it fall when they lose.. Something is up with a market that keeps going up when people who put money in such as 401K are out of work.. and no one is investing their own money something just isn’t right..
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