MN-06: Did Bachmann Church Event Violate IRS Regulations?
Did a Michelle Bachmann event at a church violate IRS regs? Several days ago, state Sen. Bachmann, who's battling Dem challenger Patty Wetterling for the open seat, spoke at local megachurch Living Word Christian Center. At the event, Bachmann received the public endorsement of their pastor — in possible violation of IRS regulations. Click here for video of the endorsement. More on the possible violation after the jump.
IRS guidlines for religious institutions — written to clarify how they can maintain their tax-exempt status — state clearly, "leaders cannot make partisan comments in official organization publications or at official functions of the organization." And according to a legal expert who spoke to a local Fox affiliate, the endorsement from the pastor, Mac Hammond, was indeed a violation.
"That's a clear statement at that point," said Prof. David Schultz of Hamline University, who speciailizes in laws governing non-profit groups. "That violates federal law."
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington agrees — CREW has now filed a formal complaint against the church.
Holy Shit! (no pun intended) Now y'all are declaring that campaigning in church is out? How many times have Al Gore, Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton pimped the Democrat's party line across the pulpit? You guys are nuts!
October 18, 2006 1:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think it is roughly the same number of times that Republican Pedophiles have called for the protection of children from sexual predators; but much less than the number of times Republican values vendors like Rush Phlegmball have called for an end to the liberal drug culture; or gamblin' Bill Bennett has called for personal responsibility when he sees liberal misbehavior; much less than the number of times Bill ("let the Taliban rule")Frist has accused war opponents of defeatism; and much, much less than the chickenhawks of your own party (not you!! I know you have served) have impugned the character and personal courage of Democratic veterans or of mothers of dead soldiers like Cindy Sheehan. Hypocrisy stinks and it exists on both sides...I think the new idea is not to let the Republicans gain from their blatant hypocritical lying that has led this country into disaster and that we (you and I) hate so much. Welcome to the fight, Sergeant Wallace.
October 18, 2006 3:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's wrong no matter who does it. It's way past time the IRS really does something about this.
October 19, 2006 1:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
But where was your outrage when the aforementioned Dems were doing it?
October 23, 2006 3:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is there a point about campaigning in a church somewhere in that mess...?
October 23, 2006 4:01 PM | Reply | Permalink