Michele Bachmann's Pardongate

Remember President Bill Clinton and Pardongate? Now, Congresswoman Bachmann has a her own Pardongate. According to the Star Tribune, Michele Bachmann has been linked to the recent Petters investment fraud scandal.   Bachmann has received thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from Frank Vennes Jr. whose home was raided in connection with the Petters investigation... and then there's this:   Bachmann chief of staff Michelle Marston acknowledged Friday that Bachmann was one of several political officials approached by Vennes for a recommendation for a pardon from President Bush for his 1986 crime. Bachmann wrote a letter in favor of consideration last year but withdrew it Thursday after learning of new allegations, Marston said.   Frank Vennes has not yet been charged. However, Bachmann needs to explain why she would write a letter recommending a pardon for someone convicted of federal crimes of money laundering, drug and firearms charges. Vennes lives in Shorewood, he's not a constituent. Not only did Bachmann receive campaign contributions from Vennes, she received contributions from Craig Howse who is a lobbyist for Frank Vennes. Craig Howse appears in this video: