MAMA GRIZZLY

O'Donnell: Fed Investigation ‘Phony’

Criminal probe alleges she misused campaign funds.

Delaware Republican Christine O’Donnell called a federal investigation into her alleged abuse of campaign funds “phony” and based on “unsubstantiated allegations and rumors" on Wednesday. O’Donnell’s staff stood behind the Tea Party star, with her campaign manager Matt Moran saying in a statement that “there was no impermissible use of campaign funds. Period.” O’Donnell attacked the Associated Press for using an anonymous source in its report of the probe ( which the Justice Department later confirmed), saying her enemies—including Vice President Joe Biden—were using "thug tactics" and "Establishment tricks to stop the anti-establishment Tea Party movement in its tracks." O’Donnell set a state record by raising $7.3 million in the campaign—most of it coming from Tea Party supporters outside the state.