GOP Group: Ex-Treasurer Diverted Up To $1M

The former treasurer for the National Republican Congressional Committee diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars -- and possibly as much as $1 million -- of the organization's funds into his personal accounts, GOP officials said yesterday, describing an alleged scheme that could become one of the largest political frauds in recent history.

For at least four years, Christopher J. Ward, who is under investigation by the FBI, allegedly used wire transfers to funnel money out of NRCC coffers and into other political committee accounts he controlled as treasurer, NRCC leaders and lawyers said in their first public statement since they turned the matter over to the FBI six weeks ago.

"The evidence we have today indicated we have been deceived and betrayed for a number of years by a highly respected and trusted individual," said Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), the NRCC chairman.[...]

The magnitude of the alleged fraud staggered Republicans, who are bracing for the final accounting from the forensic audit in six to eight weeks. Many said they expect a total far greater than the minimum cited yesterday.

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Comments

[jerrypenguin]

What's a million bucks to Christopher J. Ward, of the National Republican Congressional Committee? This isn't even chump change to these people. Why waste any time with an "investigation?" Let him go. Make him a "visiting scholar" for one of their "think tanks." Give him a position on some government regulatory agency. Make sure he gets paid enough to not have to bother with a mere million.

[pigsatthetrough]

Having become infected with a Fox line of reasoning, related to this man stealing from the GOP, I might say, " Thank you Christopher J Ward. Any money that did not go to a Republican for re-election is a wonderful thing for America".

[racetoinfinity]

So far not a mention of this important scandal on CNN, that I've seen. Incredible! Huffpost: Please keep on this - someone needs to - there is a lot more to this than has been disclosed, surely.

[mandycat]

The GOP has been insisting for decades that government should be run like big business. So what's their gripe now?

[bola47]

look for this joker on the pardon list along with scooter when bush leaves next january.

[MissingAmerica]

The GOP has a strange standard. You can stick it to the masses, but you better not stick it to a hooker!

[knowhelpnow]

I'm sure they will get him a good lawyer to keep him out of jail. They know their own, they have shown us how to be real Christians time and time again. Why oh why are they surprised?

[madron]

Take all the lying stealing PIGS money...The criminal Bush and company have ruined the Country I love....

[ProfessorDuh]

The Republican Party is full of thieves, and it has turned the U.S. government into a kleptocracy. So sorry if the chicken thieves have come home to roost.

[FirstShirt]

Put him in the cell next to Spitzer.

[elakelaiset]

Best Person in the World

[kellygrrrl]

GOP election/voter/fund Fraud? No! How shocking!

OK. Let's talk about something that's NEWS

[thegreatgiginthesky]

Republican on Democrat crime is completely acceptable
Republican on average citizen crime is completely acceptable
Republican on Republican crime is just an outrage, this guy deserves the chair.

[MikeDu]

Funny, I should be shocked by this. But instead I'm thinking if the guy was draining operating funds from the Warmongering Fascist Right party he should be considered a hero. Drain those bastards dry!

[flasher3838]

somehow i know its hillary's fault