Congressional Black Caucus Soaking Up "Political" Donations

The caucus says its nonprofit groups are intended to help disadvantaged African-Americans by providing scholarships and internships to students, researching policy and holding seminars on topics like healthy living.

But the bulk of the money has been spent on elaborate conventions that have become a high point of the Washington social season, as well as the headquarters building, golf outings by members of Congress and an annual visit to a Mississippi casino resort.

Campaign finance laws simply don't govern contributions outside what's formally considered "politics." But if an entity is advertising itself as a political group, it should — at the very least — be expected to follow the rules.