Watchdog group calling for Bachmann investigation

The watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, is calling for an investigation of Minnesota Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachmann.

The group is asking the Office of Congressional Ethics to look into whether Bachmann violated House rules by organizing a recent rally to oppose a health care reform bill. CREW's executive director Melanie Sloan says Bachmann misused her official website by promoting the event and urging people to protest.

"Michele Bachmann is more than welcome to have rallies and any other kind of events she wants for political purposes, but not paid for with taxpayer funds," Sloan said. "Those funds are only supposed to go to official congressional business. And rallying people against legislation is not official congressional business."

Sloan is also alleging that Bachmann and other organizers did not have proper permits for the rally. A spokesman for Bachmann referred questions to the chairman of the House Committee on Administration, who did not immediately return messages.