Justice Department getting evidence in ethics probe of congressional earmarks

Ethics office sends earmark data to Justice Dept.

WASHINGTON — The Office of Congressional Ethics says it is turning over evidence to the Justice Department that suggests some defense contractors thought their campaign donations were steering money for special-interest projects.

The move by the ethics office comes amid a criminal investigation of a defunct Washington-area lobbying firm. The firm, PMA, specialized in getting money for its clients from the House Appropriations defense subcommittee.

On Thursday, the ethics office board declined to say which lawmakers it was focusing on. Last year, however, the ethics office recommended that the House Ethics Committee examine evidence involving Democratic Rep. Pete Visclosky of Indiana and Republican Rep. Todd Tiahrt of Kansas, both subcommittee members.