Prosecutors: Convicted fundraiser sought White House invitations

[ck4829]

A Republican fundraiser wanted to spare his family the ordeal of a trial when he admitted to orchestrating an illegal scheme that funneled money to President Bush's re-election campaign.

What he didn't explain is why he did it.

Court papers indicate that Tom Noe, a rare-coin dealer, wanted the perks that can come along with joining an elite group of business leaders and lobbyists who raised at least $100,000 for Bush, earning them the status of "Pioneers."

Noe wanted "in part to obtain presidential invitations to the White House and the President's ranch in Texas," prosecutors said in a court filing asking that Noe be given a longer sentence than they originally sought.

http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/15487522.htm

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