THE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST NEWT

THE FIRST THREE CHARGES ARE NOW BEFORE THE HOUSE ETHICS COMMITTEE. THE FOURTH HAS OFTEN BEEN RAISED BY DEMOCRATS IN RECENT WEEKS

THE CHARGE

1. MISUSE OF TAX-DEDUCTIBLE FUNDS

That Gingrich used tax-exempt donations to underwrite his college course called Renewing American Civilization, which he told donors would promote the Republican cause. Federal law prohibits use of tax-exempt contributions for partisan political activities.

THE DEFENSE

The committee did not accuse him of violating any laws. He admits the funding was questionable but blames lack of good legal advice.

WHY IT'S AN ISSUE

Tax experts disagree about whether any laws were violated. But Gingrich's attempt to plead ignorance of the law rings hollow, particularly coming from one of the nation's top lawmakers. Also, GOPAC...

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