Bachmann asks Pawlenty to expand probe of ACORN

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann is asking Gov. Tim Pawlenty to name a special investigator to probe ACORN in Minnesota.

Bachmann says the step would ensure proper use of public funds by the activist group and its affiliates. The two-term Republican member of Congress is a longtime critic of ACORN.

Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung says the GOP governor has already directed his administration to review ACORN's use of state money.

Pawlenty moved last month to block ACORN's state funding, even though the group doesn't have any current state contracts. ACORN got $109,000 from the Minnesota government agencies from 1996 to 2008, with the most recent grant of $7,500 for foreclosure prevention work coming in 2008.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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