Northwest Indiana Discussion

Feds raid top Visclosky fundraiser

By CHRISTINE KRALY
ckraly@nwitimes.com
219.662.5335 | Wednesday, February 11, 2009 | No comments posted.

WASHINGTON | Rep. Pete Visclosky is pledging cooperation -- if requested -- after a raid last year of the PMA Group, a powerful Washington lobbying firm that has long been the Northwest Indiana congressman's top campaign contributor.

"Congressman Visclosky’s office has not received any communication from federal authorities regarding PMA, but will cooperate fully if contacted," Visclosky spokesman Jacob Ritvo said. "If any wrongdoing is proven, Congressman Visclosky will take appropriate and responsible action, including returning contributions."

Reports surfaced this week that PMA Group of Arlington, Va., was raided last November by the FBI.

The firm focuses on winning defense earmarks for its clients and channeled thousands in donations to Visclosky and Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.), longtime colleagues and both members of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

The Times reported at the end of 2007 that the firm had ties to the Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana, and that two of PMA's clients were tech center contributors.

PMA has been Visclosky's biggest single contributor of campaign dollars since 2003, funnelling $59,200 to the congressman last year.