Watchdog group says Bachmann church visit violated IRS rules

Michele Bachmann
An appearance by Michele Bachmann at a Brooklyn Park church has raised questions about the role of tax-exempt organizations in political campaigns.
MPR Photo/Tim Pugmire

A watchdog group has filed a complaint with the IRS charging that the Living Word Christian Church in Brooklyn Park violated its tax-exempt status when its pastor endorsed Michele Bachmann during a service Sunday.

The Republican congressional candidate was a guest speaker at the church. According to the group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Living Word Pastor Mac Hammond told the congregation he was planning to vote for Bachmann.

There are specific rules about what tax-exempt organizations can and can't do when it comes to politics. MPR's Perry Finelli spoke with Dan Hofrenning, political science professor at St. Olaf College, about the IRS regulations.

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