Democrats Wrangle Over Campaign Funds

[Rose Siding]

LANSING, Mich. Feb 2, 2005 — The Democratic National Committee and state party officials in Michigan are fighting over $8 million meant to help Sen. John Kerry's failed 2004 presidential bid in the state.

The DNC has demanded an audit of the state party's books because its donors want to know where the money went. The request has been turned down, with Michigan Democratic Chairman Mark Brewer arguing that an audit is unnecessary.

"We don't see a need for it. But we're happy to answer any questions that they may have," Brewer said. "There was nothing wrong that was done. That's why there was no need for an audit."
...
DNC spokesman Jano Cabrera said the committee will keep pressing Michigan party officials for an audit. "When people donate to the DNC, they expect that money will be used wisely," he said. "That is why it is our policy to make sure there's financial accountability for those funds."
...
Democratic sources in Washington, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Brewer had told the DNC that the coordinated campaign was at least $2.5 million in the hole. They also said he threatened to shut down the campaign and cost Kerry Michigan's 17 electoral votes if he didn't get the money.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=465137&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

[denverbill]

1. Wow. Now THERE is a threat.

Geez, imagine the horror of Kerry not getting Michigan's 17 electoral votes. He might lose by even more.