The congressman didn't learn about this activity until it was time for his return to the House of Representatives to be rubber-stamped in an election.
Two surprises made this election different. Con Mann had been arrested on a 20-count indictment for fraud that charged him -- among other things -- with a $5-million stock swindle. And for the first time in years, the congressman had serious opposition. A liberal professor from a nearby university had dug up his connection with Con Mann and was using it against him.
So the congressman explained there was no connection between the $25,000 and his efforts on behalf of Con.
"This was nothing I wouldn't do," he said, "for any of my constituents."
He also said he would give serious thought to returning the money if Con is convicted -- even though Con wouldn't have much use for it under those circumstances.
