FBI Investigates Charges Of Illegal Donations To Dole Campaign

BOSTON, Massachusetts (AllPolitics, Apr. 27) -- The FBI is investigating charges that a vice chairman for Bob Dole's presidential campaign made thousands of dollars in illegal contributions to Dole through employees of his Massachusetts-based company.

The FBI confirmed to CNN Saturday that a probe is under way into allegations that employees of Aqua-Leisure Industries, a distributor of inflatable swimming pool toys, wrote $1,000 checks to the Dole campaign in 1995 and that each worker was reimbursed with 10 $100 bills by the company.

"The allegations have been referred to the FBI, and we're investigating the matter," said Peter Ginieres, spokesman for the FBI's Boston office.

The Kansas City Star reported Friday that a federal grand jury in Boston was also reviewing the matter.

Simon Fireman, owner of Aqua-Leisure, is a vice chairman of finance for Dole's campaign and has been a major fund-raiser for Republicans. He served as a director of the U.S. Export-Import Bank from 1986 to 1989.

Last Sunday, the Star quoted Fireman employees who said they were given cash and told to write checks for the same amount to the Dole campaign. Federal law prohibits companies from reimbursing workers for political contributions.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Fireman denied any knowledge of illegal contributions.

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