Politico has shed some light upon the mysterious scandal brewing at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). “Top House Republicans were told in recent days that a former employee of their campaign committee may have forged an official audit during the contentious 2006 election cycle and that they should brace for the possibility that an unfolding investigation could uncover financial improprieties stretching back several years,” the newspaper reported. The story said the FBI was investigating the matter, and quoted a Republican insider as saying, “There is a sense that this could be very damaging to the committee.”
The Politico story said that the investigation centers on a man named Christopher J. Ward, who the Politico identified as a former NRCC treasurer. Ward has other interesting political connections as well. Virginia State Corporation Commission records show that Ward is also the treasurer of Political Compliance Services (PCS), a political auditing and accounting firm that once worked for Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. (Incidentally, Susan Arceneaux, a Republican operative and one-time aide to former Congressman Dick Armey, is listed as the president of PCS. Arceneaux helped set up the Swift Boat Vets and has connections to a host of other conservative organizations, including Armey’s new FreedomWorks.)
On January 27, Ward signed on as treasurer for the Senate Majority Committee, which is raising money for Senate Republicans at risk in this fall’s elections. Given the investigation of Ward for his role at the NRCC, the Committee might want to keep an eye on its treasury.
I left a message for Ward at PCS. If I hear back I’ll update this story.
