Fingers Pointed at Shays' Campaign Manager

The longtime campaign manager for Rep. Chris Shays is the target of suspicions that money was misappropriated from a campaign fund, according to two Republicans familiar with the matter.

Shays, who narrowly lost last month to Democrat Jim Himes, said Friday his campaign became aware, after a post-election review, of a series of anomalies that appear to be the result of fraudulent activity by one of its former employees. The name of the employee and other details were not released, but the matter was referred to federal authorities.

Two Republicans familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is pending, said the suspicions involve Michael Sohn, who was Shays' campaign manager for the past several elections.

Sohn left last week for his honeymoon in Asia and did not return telephone messages left on his cell phone.

Another person familiar with the matter said Sohn was traveling abroad with the full understanding of federal authorities.

Shays, a moderate Republican, had been in Congress for 21 years, representing wealthy southwestern Connecticut.

"This is a serious and sad situation," Shays, a champion of campaign finance reform, said Friday in a statement. "If true, the actions of this individual represent a betrayal of my campaign, its supporters and the very things I stand for, but in no way do they reflect upon the incredibly dedicated and honorable service of my other staff members and extended family of volunteers and supporters."

Sohn's father, Stephen Sohn, said his son made vague references shortly before he left last week on his honeymoon.  Sohn said his son was shocked, saying, "Things are going on that I do not understand."

Sohn said his son was widely regarded by Shays, the last Republican from a New England state in the U.S. House of Representatives, who survived several close elections before his defeat last month.

"That is absolutely astounding to me," Sohn said. "I just cannot believe that."

The FBI and U.S. attorney's office declined to comment.

The committee filed its post-election report with the Federal Election Commission last week, indicating that campaign funds may have been misappropriated and that the committee is attempting to determine the nature and extent of the misappropriation.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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