Bachmann has ties to Petters federal fraud investigation

Rep. Michele Bachmann and Tom Petters (currently our two favorite people) now are intertwined in the fraud drama. We love 2-for-1 deals! Last year, Bachmann sent a letter to President Bush requesting that he pardon Frank Vennes after he served time in the 1980s for several crimes. Vennes is now a major contributor to her campaign.

To break ties with the ongoing Petters Group Worldwide investigation, which has pegged Petters with potential fraud of more than $1 billion, Bachmann withdrew her pardon letter last Thursday, according to the Minnesota Independent. Officials took several items from Vennes' home last week in connection with the investigation.

Whoops!

According to the MN Independent:

Vennes served time in the 1980s for illegally selling a firearm, cocaine distribution and money laundering. While in prison, he became a devout Christian, and after his release he became a devout Bachmann campaign contributor. Prior to Bachmann’s election (and letter writing), Vennes contributed $14,200 to her campaign; in 2008, he has contributed $4,600. Vennes’ wife Kimberly, who uses the same P.O. box number as Vennes, has contributed another $8,800 over the last three years.

Vennes is a businessman in Excelsior and maintains a residence in Shorewood. Neither location is in the 6th Congressional District.

The Star Tribune confirmed that Bachmann withdrew the letter:

Bachmann chief of staff Michelle Marston acknowledged Friday that Bachmann was one of several political officials approached by Vennes for a recommendation for a pardon from President Bush for his 1986 crime. Bachmann wrote a letter in favor of consideration last year but withdrew it Thursday after learning of new allegations, Marston said.

Even the best of us can be deceived by criminals, right?