December 7, 2006 | Read Time: 1 minute
Sen. Charles E. Grassley, an Iowa Republican, has asked the IRS to look into a charity that registers low-income voters.
Mr. Grassley, who is just finishing his term as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, sent the IRS a letter asking it to investigate the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, known as Acorn, for “serious allegations of inappropriate activity by a tax-exempt group.”
Four of the group’s employees were recently indicted for allegedly submitting false voter registrations in Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Grassley also questioned whether the group is improperly engaged in political lobbying, pointing to reports that some of its workers may have told voters to support particular candidates for office.
Mr. Grassley also sought copies of all audits and other information related to Acorn and its affiliates. He asked the revenue service to provide the information within 30 days.
Kevin Whelan, a spokesman for the charity, said the group did nothing impermissible. The workers who engaged in voter fraud did so without Acorn’s knowledge or approval, he said. In addition, he said the group has never supported or opposed candidates for public office.
As is its policy, the IRS declined to comment on a specific case.
