Sleaze claims put Republicans' hold on power at risk

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/10/19/wrepub19.xml

Stalwarts of the Republican Party stepping up to microphones to fend off sleaze allegations has become the defining image of America's mid-term elections.

Curt Weldon, a 20-year veteran of the House of Representatives in Pennsylvania, became the latest to swell their ranks this week when he went on the offensive from the car park of a local government office, lashing out at the "suspicious" timing of an investigation into his family's business interests.

His appearance followed a raid on Monday by FBI agents on the home of his daughter, Karen, a lobbyist with ties to Russian energy companies. It has been reported that investigators are examining the congressman's dealings with one of Ms Weldon's clients, Iteria International, a natural gas company that put her firm on a lucrative retainer.

Americans vote in mid-term elections on Nov 7 with the Republican Party facing the gravest challenge to its hold on power for a decade.