ALERT: New report raises concerns about Rehberg’s ethics

Independent watchdog group tracks campaign money and nepotism in Congress

For Immediate Release
Friday, March 23, 2012

BILLINGS, Mont. – Congressman Dennis Rehberg is featured in a new report on the inappropriate use of power and influence by members of Congress.

The newly released Family Affair Report, a project by the independent watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, raises concerns about Rehberg’s decision to use $73,691 in political donations to reimburse himself.

Rehberg’s personal reimbursements came from both his campaign committee, Rehberg for Congress and his Political Action Committee, Building Our Opportunities Together PAC, in 2008 and 2010.

The report also notes Rehberg’s son is employed at GAGE International, a Washington lobbying firm. The Associated Press reported on this connection in October.

Public records show unspecified representatives of GAGE lobbied Rehberg’s office six times in 2011. Rehberg himself was lobbied by GAGE on February 24 and April 7, while his staff was lobbied by GAGE on February 28, March 2, April 6, and June 8. [SOURCE: Foreign Agents Registration Supplemental Statement, 7/29/11; 12/25/11]

CREW’s Family Affair Report is online HERE. Here is an excerpt from page 194:

• During the 2008 election cycle, Rep. Rehberg’s campaign committee reimbursed Rep. Rehberg $23,722 for travel, meals and other expenses.
• During the 2008 election cycle, Rep. Rehberg’s leadership PAC reimbursed Rep. Rehberg $3,174 for meals and travel.
• During the 2010 election cycle, Rep. Rehberg’s campaign committee reimbursed Rep. Rehberg $35,135 for travel and other expenses.
• During the 2008 election cycle, Rep. Rehberg’s leadership PAC reimbursed Rep. Rehberg $11,660 for travel and meals.

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