GOP Consultant Named in Enron Ruling

WASHINGTON -- Enron Corp. signed contracts with GOP consultant and former Christian Coalition leader Ralph Reed worth about $300,000 before the energy company's collapse, the Federal Election Commission revealed in a ruling, according to The Associated Press.

The payments came to light as part of an FEC inquiry into whether Enron's hiring of GOP consultant Reed was a sham designed to disguise an in-kind contribution from Enron to Bush's presidential effort.

In dismissing a complaint against Rove and the Bush-Cheney presidential campaign, the FEC disclosed that the Enron-Reed ties involved far more money than has previously been reported.

The controversy stems from a New York Times story a year ago which quoted unidentified associates of Rove as saying he had told them he recommended Reed's firm to Enron in 1997 in order to keep Reed's favor for a potential Bush candidacy.

Judicial Watch, a conservative group, filed the complaint alleging violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act.

-- NYSSCPA.org News Staff

Posted on 03/11/03