Watchdog group files complaint against congressman

19 Aug 2008 // The DC-based watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission against Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, alleging "serious violations of campaign finance law."

CREW was joined by Carlo Bell, a former executive of Buchanan's car dealerships who has filed a lawsuit against Buchanan, claiming he witnessed fraudulent practices at the dealerships. Bell, a former finance director at Venice Nissan Dodge, alleges he was pressured to contribute to Buchanan's 2006 campaign.

The complaint comes on the heels of the Florida Democratic Party suggesting the FBI needs to get involved. CREW's complaint alleges three violations of campaign finance laws, including threatening employees with reprisals to coerce them into making donations; making donations in the name of another and making corporate contributions.

CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan said the allegations against Buchanan, "which are backed up with affidavits and a bank deposit slip, are very serious and may involve criminal conduct."

The Bradenton Herald reports today that the general manager and part-owner of the dealership issued a statement saying the dealership plans to file for sanctions against Bell.

"These are such false and outrageous claims that Venice Dodge Nissan will be filing for sanctions against Mr. Bell and his attorney for intentionally filing a false and frivolous suit," Shelby Curtsinger wrote in his statement.