The Ohio Democratic Party has asked the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio to investigate allegations that Murray Energy may have been involved in illegal political fundraising.


The Democrats' letter to the U.S. District Attorney was prompted by a publication in The New Republic magazine that accused Murray Energy of possibly being involved in criminal activity.


Chris Redfern of the Ohio Democratic Party said, "We began to hear from vendors and others that do business with Murray Energy who have suggested, who have said directly and forthrightly, that if they wanted to do business with Murray Energy that they would have to contribute money to Murray Energy's Political Action Committee and directly to hand-picked candidates that Mr. Murray selected."

Murray Energy responded by saying in part that the article in The New Republic is inaccurate and that the company will aggressively defend against its concocted allegations.

But the Ohio Democratic Party said the allegations that automatic payroll deductions took place, along with pressure to donate to certain candidates, are enough for them to request the investigation.

"To gain and continue to receive employment at Murray Energy, participation in rallies, participation in fundraising events is more the expectation than the exception. That kind of coercion, that kind of corrosive behavior, in our opinion, merits an investigation," Redfern said.

Also on Monday, a liberal policy group says it has filed a second complaint with the Federal Election Commission over the political activities of Murray Energy's Century Mine.

ProgressOhio's letter dated Monday alleges Murray Energy Corp. created yard signs opposing President Barack Obama that don't include a required disclaimer. The signs read: "STOP the WAR on COAL -- FIRE OBAMA."


The group's earlier complaint alleged footage of miners at Murray's Beallsville mine amounted to an illegal campaign contribution, because the group contends that the workers were required to attend.

Murray has said the Century Mine was closed for one shift to ensure site security, and Republican Mitt Romney's presidential campaign featured the Aug. 14 event in a television ad.

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