Alvin Greene is "Someone's Plant," Should be Investigated, Clyburn Says
Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) is suggesting that the circumstances of Alvin Greene's victory in the South Carolina Democratic Senate primary Tuesday are suspicious and should be investigated by the U.S. Attorney's office.
The world of politics was caught off guard by Greene's victory -- and was further shocked yesterday when news surfaced that the unknown, 32-year-old, unemployed veteran faces pending felony charges.
Questions immediately arose about the legitimacy of Greene's candidacy. While Greene insists he is the real deal, Clyburn, a high-ranking Democrat from South Carolina, is still skeptical.
"There were some real shenanigans going on in the South Carolina primary," Clyburn said this morning on the liberal Bill Press radio show, the Hill notes. "I don't know if he was a Republican plant; he was someone's plant."
Clyburn said the U.S. Attorney's office should investigate whether a third party gave Greene the money for the $10,400 filing fee, a violation of federal campaign finance laws.
"I would hope the U.S. Attorney down there would look at this," Clyburn said. "Somebody gave him that $10,000 and he who took it should be investigated, and he who gave it should be investigated."
The South Carolina Democratic Party has asked Greene to withdraw from the race, but Greene told the Associated Press he's not backing out.
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"The Democratic Party has chosen their nominee, and we have to stand behind their choice," Greene reportedly said. "The people have spoken. We need to be pro-South Carolina, not anti-Greene."
Greene's controversial history does not end with his felony charges. ABC reports that Greene was involuntarily forced out of the Army after a 13-year career that included service as an intelligence specialist and unit supply specialist. Greene told ABC he was kicked out of the Army because "things just weren't working."
If Greene stays in the race, he will challenge Sen. Jim DeMint, a favorite among the Republican's conservative base. Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chairman Sen. Bob Menendez (N.J.) told the Washington Post it did not bother investing in the South Carolina Democratic primary since DeMint is expected to hold onto his seat.
More CBSNews.com Coverage of Tuesday's Primaries:
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Anthony Salvanto: What's Next for the Big Primary Winners?
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Bob Schieffer: Money and Melodrama Shape Primaries
Marc Ambinder: How Did Sen. Blanche Lincoln Pull Victory From the Jaws of Defeat?
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Interactive Map: CBS News Campaign 2010 Race Ratings
