CREW files FEC complaint against Buchanan

19 Aug 2008 // The Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a complaint today with the Federal Election Commission against Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) alleging "serious violations of campaign finance law."

The complaint says Buchanan — who owns several car dealerships in Florida — pressured dealership employees to contribute to his congressional campaign in September 2005. Those employees were later reimbursed for those contributions, according to the FEC filing.

The complaint comes less than a week after the Florida Democratic Party called on the FBI to look into the allegations against Buchanan.

Buchanan aides have denied any wrongdoing.