Associated Press: New big donor in North Carolina politics subject of subpoena

Associated Press: New big donor in North Carolina politics subject of subpoena

“Everyone should be asking why is this big money coming to both sides,” Bob Phillips, executive director of the government watchdog group Common Cause North Carolina said, adding that such donations leave the impression of “trying to buy access and influence.”

RALEIGH, N.C. — A federal investigation seeks documents about business operations connected to a private investment firm founder who seemingly overnight became the largest individual donor in North Carolina politics….

Lindberg, a registered unaffiliated voter, has said little about why he’s giving to political causes. A spokesman said months ago that Lindberg wanted to support “in a nonpartisan way candidates that are in tune with the issues affecting North Carolina businesses and its citizens.”

The investigation reinforces questions about what results Lindberg hopes for from his donations, said Bob Phillips, executive director of the government watchdog group Common Cause North Carolina.

“Everyone should be asking why is this big money coming to both sides,” Phillips said, adding that such donations leave the impression of “trying to buy access and influence.”