An excerpt of the Oregonian article "We don't have time for this" by Steve Duin, first published on March 19, 1992, and reprinted by the Les AuCoin for Senate Committee. Duin's article analyzes the 1992 House banking scandal in Congress, of which AuCoin was later cleared of any wrongdoing by the US Department of Justice. In 1992, an investigation discovered that hundreds of members of Congress had overdrafted their House bank accounts numerous times, although it was found that the vast majority did so unintentionally -- as the House bank system did not properly alert members of their overdrafts and delayed processing deposits -- and did not break any laws. Duin describes the scandal as "absurdly overblown," defending both Congressman Peter DeFazio and Congressman Les AuCoin.
A statement and accompanying receipts provided by US Congressman Les AuCoin and his office in response to the 1992 House banking scandal. In 1992, an investigation discovered that hundreds of members of Congress had overdrafted their House bank accounts numerous times, although it was found that the vast majority did so unintentionally -- as the House bank system did not properly alert members of their overdrafts and delayed processing deposits -- and did not break any laws. AuCoin himself was later cleared of any wrongdoing by the US Department of Justice. The receipts provided by Congressman AuCoin in this document include an official account statement from the Sergeant at Arms, a sample check, a list of checks identified as "overdraft" by the House bank, a list of ending balances from monthly statements received from the Sergeant at Arms, a letter from Merrill Lynch Consumer Markets, a Washington Post article titled "House Bank Records Hampered Probe" by Guy Gugliotta, a letter regarding information on withdrawals from the Congressional Federal Credit Union, and a letter from the Bank of Astoria.
A video compilation primarily featuring KOIN 6, KGW 8, and KATU 2 news coverage of US Congressman Les AuCoin and other members of Congress during the 1992 House banking scandal in Congress, of which AuCoin was later cleared of any wrongdoing by the US Department of Justice. In 1992, an investigation discovered that hundreds of members of Congress had overdrafted their House bank accounts numerous times, although it was found that the vast majority did so unintentionally -- as the House bank system did not properly alert members of their overdrafts and delayed processing deposits -- and did not break any laws. Other footage featured in the video includes news coverage of the Packwood's "outburst" -- pushing a camera lens away with his hands -- after he noticed he was being recorded by a Bob Squier film crew hired by the Les AuCoin 1992 Senate campaign.
A video recording featuring an outtake for one of US Congressman Les AuCoin's campaign ads for the US Senate in the 1992 election. The video, which was filmed outdoors, mentions a "house bank," referring to the 1992 House banking scandal in Congress, from which AuCoin was cleared of any wrongdoing.
A compilation of video clips, mostly featuring outtakes from one of US Congressman Les AuCoin's campaign ads for the US Senate in the 1992 election. Most video clips mention a "House Bank," referring to the 1992 House banking scandal in Congress, from which AuCoin was cleared of any wrongdoing. The last video clip features an AuCoin campaign ad for the 1992 US Senate election in Oregon, in which he criticizes the Star Wars program.
A video clip that features a single outtake for one of Les AuCoin's campaign ads for the 1992 US Senate election in Oregon. In the video, AuCoin mentions a "House Bank," referring to the 1992 House banking scandal in Congress, of which AuCoin was cleared of any wrongdoing by the US Department of Justice.
Letter from Malcolm Wilkey, Special Counsel to the Attorney General, clearing Representative Les AuCoin of any criminal violations regarding the House Bank. In 1991 a government audit of the bank, where House members could deposit paychecks, showed hundreds of members with overdrafts on their accounts. Further investigation eventually revealed that, while a few members intentionally abused the bank, many of these overdrafts were caused by the bank’s delay in processing deposits. In this letter from September 18th, 1992, the US Department of Justice cleared AuCoin of any wrongdoing with the bank. The House Bank was a major issue in the 1992 election, and AuCoin's involvement was frequently attacked by political opponents.This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. See also PUA_MS147_137 for a statement by AuCoin addressing the House Bank audit.
Statement by Representative Les AuCoin about his House Bank account. In particular, he outlines the results of a recent audit of his account, done at his request. In 1991 a government audit of the bank, where House members could deposit paychecks, showed hundreds of members with overdrafts on their accounts. Further investigation eventually revealed that, while a few members intentionally abused the bank, many of these overdrafts were caused by the bank’s delay in processing deposits. In September 1992, the US Department of Justice cleared AuCoin of any wrongdoing with the bank. The House Bank was a major issue in the 1992 election, and AuCoin's involvement was frequently attacked by political opponents. This statement, given on March 17th, 1992, was a response to the criticism. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. See also PUA_MS147_138 for the letter clearing AuCoin of any criminal violations.
