RNLA Responds to DOJ Review of ACORN

WASHINGTON, DC – The Republican National Lawyers Association (RNLA) Executive Director Michael Thielen today released the following statement in response to news reports that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will conduct a “review into whether ACORN applied for or received any Justice Department grants or funds and whether or not the Justice Department ever carried out any audits or reviews of those funds.”

“We applaud the announcement by the Inspector General of the Department of Justice that he is opening a review into ACORN.  In July of 2008, RNLA Co-Chair Cleta Mitchell appeared before the House Judiciary Committee and called for DOJ to conduct a thorough investigation of ACORN.  In March of 2009, RNLA Vice President Heather Heidelbaugh provided Congress with testimony regarding fraudulent and possible criminal violations by ACORN.  And just last week, RNLA filed a formal complaint with the DOJ requesting an immediate and thorough investigation of ACORN.  While Congressman Nadler may not believe that ‘credible allegations’ against ACORN exist, we are pleased to see this matter receiving the serious attention it deserves.”

Mitchell Testimony: http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/pdf/Mitchell080724.pdf

Heidelbaugh Testimony: http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/pdf/Heidelbaugh090319.pdf

RNLA Complaint: http://www.rnla.org/RNLALettertoOIG9-15-09.pdf