Chung To Implicate Chinese State Business In Moneytrail

By Pierre Thomas/CNN

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, March 6) -- CNN has learned controversial Democratic fund-raiser Johnny Chung is prepared to tell U.S. authorities that businessmen from the People's Republic of China, connected to state-run businesses, provided some of the suspicious money Chung gave the Democratic National Committee.

If Chung talks, it could be a dramatic breakthrough in the campaign finance investigation.

The reason: Chung could place investigators a step closer in determining if the Chinese government tried to influence the 1996 campaign.

Chung, a Democratic fund-raiser from Southern California, made some 50 trips to the White House between 1994 and 1996.

Chung gave the DNC more than $300,000, all of which was returned.

Chung's anticipated help is part of an agreement in which he would plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for his cooperation.

Chung's allegations, of course, will have to be investigated.

Friday March 6, 1998

• McDougal Attends Pre-Trial Hearing
• Chung To Implicate Chinese State Business In Moneytrail
• Gore Presses The Flesh In New Hampshire
• Sources Confirm Aspects of Clinton Deposition
• Affirmative Action Program Preserved In Highway Bill
• Hawking Offers New Age Science View
• Lawmakers Criticize Internet Salary
• New Medicare Commission Begins Work
• Town Election Decided By Poker Hand
• Speaking Tour To Launch White House Tobacco Push
• Shaken Miami To Remain Mayor-Less Until Next Week
• Ambassador's Widow Sues Arianna Huffington, National Enquirer
• Reno Gives Daley Drug-Fighting Idea Warm Reception