Tari Renner (D) is challenging Congressman Jerry Weller (R) for his seat in the 11th District of Illinois. Recently Renner has demanded that Weller resign his post from the House International Relations Committee due to the fact that his fiance is, Zury Rios Sosa, a member of the Guatemalan Congress and the daughter of a former Guatemalan dictator, which as many can imagine raises a number of conflict of interest issues. Of course Well is resisting, however it appears he is asking the FEC for guidance on what role she can play in his campaign.
Weller seeks input on fiancee's role in his re-election runFriday, July 16, 2004
By Dennis Conrad
The Associated Press
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WASHINGTON — Now that U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller (R-11th) of Morris has announced plans to marry a lawmaker from Guatemala, he has asked federal election officials what role his fiancee can play in his campaign.
Under federal law, foreign nationals can't make contributions to campaign committees and can't solicit other foreign nationals to make them. What Weller wants to find out is what volunteer activities would be permissible for his fiancee, Zury Rios Sosa, a member of the Guatemalan Congress and the daughter of a former Guatemalan dictator.
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Rios Sosa's father is Gen. Jose Efrain Rios Montt, who seized power in a coup and ruled Guatemala for 18 months in 1982 and 1983. His tenure was among the bloodiest of a 1960-1996 civil war that killed 200,000 people.
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Among the specific questions Weller wants answered is whether Rios Sosa could participate in political strategy discussions, solicit money- and support for Weller, and accompany the congressman to fund-raising and campaign events for himself and other people.
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http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/dsnews/161nd3.htmHow would the GOP react if a Democrat asked for permission for a foreign elected official to play an major role in his or her campaign?