New Emails Contradict IRS Officials Story On Targeting Conservative Groups
A new series of emails unearthed by the Ways and Means Committee seem to contradict Lois Lerner’s claims that “rogue” employees in Cincinnati are to blame for the IRS inappropriately targeting conservative groups.
“In a February 2011 email, Ms. Lerner advised her staff—including then Exempt Organizations Technical Manager Michael Seto and then Rulings and Agreements director Holly Paz—that a Tea Party matter is “very dangerous,” and is something “Counsel and [Lerner adviser] Judy Kindell need to be in on.” Ms. Lerner adds, ‘Cincy should probably NOT have these cases.’”
The new emails also shed light on Lerner’s political sympathies:
“On July 10, 2012 then Lerner-adviser Sharon Light emailed Ms. Lerner a National Public Radio story on how outside money was making it hard for Democrats to hold their Senate majority.
‘The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee had complained to the Federal Election Commission that conservative groups like Crossroads GPS and Americans for Prosperity should be treated as political committees, rather than 501(c)(4)s, which are tax-exempt social welfare groups that do not have to disclose their donors.
“‘Perhaps the FEC will save the day,’ Ms. Lerner wrote back later that morning.”
Democrats may try to sweep this scandal under the rug, but there is no denying these new revelations open up Lerner and the IRS to further scrutiny. Stand with the House Republican majority as we look for answers.