Tuesday, May 02, 2006

OH Gov Race:Churches illegally involved

Sheesh... as IF Hubby and I needed even more reasons to run screaming and flailing from Ohio... sigh (via Pittsburgh Post Gazette): "2 complaints filed w/ the IRS say that 2 large Columbus-area churches, active in Bush's campaign in 04, violated their tax-exempt status by pushing the candidacy of Sec of State Ken Blackwell for Gov (the OH Religious Fright's favored candidate). A group of 56 clergy members contends these churches act like electioneering orgs by holding political activities & by allowing GOP orgs use their church facilities. A lawyer for the group & former dir of the IRS office that regulates tax-exempt orgs said: "You have flagrant intervention continuing and no indication of IRS activity. The evidence of wrongdoing is pretty overwhelming and we suspect favoritism," which tax agency officials deny. Add to this: "Earlier this yr, IRS Commissioner Mark Everson said improper political intervention had increased during the 04 election cycle. He told a Cleveland audience that nearly 75% of 82 investigations resulted in a finding that churches/ charities had engaged in prohibited political behavior." Oh Hell's bells... as long as it is illegal activity done in the name of their twisted version of God, it is okay, no?
Posted by Tina :: 12:50 AM :: 0 Comments:

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