Lazio buddy Newt called for probe of Mosque funds that don't exist!

Today, Democrats assailed Newt Gingrich for a political stunt in which he called for an investigation into the funding sources for a proposed mosque in lower Manhattan. This is despite the fact that the mosque has not embarked on any fundraising efforts, no nonprofit has been formed, and the organizing committee has said that borrowing funds in the current economic climate would be challenging.

"This call for an investigation is a ruse, and Newt Gingrich should refrain from politicizing Ground Zero to help his old friend Rick Lazio. There is nothing to investigate concerning the donors of any funds if there are no funds and there are no donors. No responsible prosecutor would undertake such an investigation. In the nineties, Lazio served loyally as a foot soldier in the Gingrich Congress. Now, Gingrich is returning the favor, playing politics for Lazio who has been pandering non-stop about the proposed mosque in lower Manhattan. The most absurd part: Gingrich is calling for an investigation of the sources of the mosque's funding -- when fundraising efforts for the mosque have not been undertaken," said Jay Jacobs, chair of the NYS Democratic Committee.

"Newt, the next time you decide to do political dirty work for your old buddy, Rick Lazio, you should try to get your facts straight. As it is, calling for an investigation into the source of funds that don't exist is irresponsible, divisive, and reminds New Yorkers of the old Newt Gingrich" added Jacobs.

Background

The Lead Developer Of The Project Said Fundraising Has Not Yet Begun And The Process Will Undergo Comprehensive Audit And Review, Including With The Attorney Generals Office. The developer said fundraising for the center has not even started, but said he is already talking with security experts and will talk with the state attorney general's office about ensuring due diligence. [NY1, 7/20/10, Click]