Incumbents being investigated raise $1.2M

0 Comments | USA TODAY, November, 2007 | by Matt Kelley

WASHINGTON -- Seven lawmakers seeking re-election while under federal investigation raked in nearly three times as much in campaign donations as their opponents in the latest fundraising period, records show.

The incumbents raised more than $1.2 million, while six challengers raised almost $425,000 in the three months ending Sept. 30, according to Federal Election Commission records. Three of the incumbents -- including Rep. William Jefferson, a Louisiana Democrat under indictment on corruption charges -- don't have announced opponents; some have multiple opponents. Of the seven, only Jefferson has been charged with a crime. All have denied wrongdoing.

Many contributors want to influence current actions in Congress, not necessarily the next election, says...