Congressman Dave Obey reacts to a claim that his son will benefit from an appropriation in the recently signed economic stimulus bill.
The Wausau Democrat dismisses criticism that he funneled $2 billion toward an organization where his son, Craig, works as a lobbyist. Obey says the claims from Republicans are "nonsense."
Obey says his son won't see a penny of the appropriation because he's not employed by the Parks Service and gains no economic benefit from the agency.
Obey defended the appropriation during a public appearance at UW-Marathon County in Wausau on Thursday.
The longtime Congressman called the criticism an example of "dirty politics" and says it's outrageous that people would try to twist the legitimate operation his son works for.
The Washington Times first reported the alleged conflict last month. The president of the group where Obey's son works says they don't lobby the Congressman to avoid any appearance of impropriety.