LOS ANGELES — Former Democratic Party fund-raiser Johnny Chung is publicly accusing high-ranking Clinton administration and Democratic National Committee officials of accepting cash payments for political access — including access by Chinese military and intelligence officials.
Chung repeated charges he has made to the FBI, to Justice Department investigators and congressional staffers Saturday night at Judicial Watch’s 5th anniversary celebration in Pasadena and expressed amazement and frustration that “nothing has been done” to punish others.
Chung has admitted to making illegal campaign contributions and was sentenced to probation. He says he is broke and is being forced out of business by the scandal.
In a lengthy and emotional speech to Larry Klayman’s group, Chung said he personally gave Hillary Clinton’s aide, Maggie Williams, a cash payment in the White House, and made other payoffs to former Energy Secretary Hazel O’Leary and DNC official Don Fowler. Chung was presented by Klayman with a special award for his courage.
Chung also told the group that even his conviction has not stopped Democratic fund-raisers from asking him to donate to Vice President Al Gore’s presidential campaign and Hillary Rodham Clinton’s likely Senate bid.
“Is this a joke?” Chung asked while waving an invitation to a Nov. 5 dinner for Mrs. Clinton.
“I have news for you Mrs. Clinton,” he said. “Been there, done that, not again!”
Chung pledged full cooperation with Klayman’s group because, “I know Larry seeks the truth.”
Chung, 44, once a frequent White House guest, became a key target in the probe of campaign finance irregularities and Chinese government efforts to influence the 1996 presidential election. He said he regrets his transgressions, but can’t understand why those far more familiar with campaign finance laws — those accepting the payments — went unpunished.
He donated more than $366,000 to Democratic candidates and causes between 1994 and 1996. The money was returned after questions arose about its legality. Chung eventually pleaded guilty to campaign finance irregularities and was sentenced to five years of probation and 3,000 hours of community service.
“I learned there is a system in the United States. You give money. You buy access,” Chung said.
Chung said he only got involved with the White House to drum up business for his fax service, an operation which was able to send hundreds of copies of documents to different outlets at once.
“As a businessman, I was buying my future,” he said.
But now, thanks to the scandal, his business is all but gone. The downfall began after he was accused of making illegal donations to the White House and he started helping investigators.
“The same day I begin to cooperate, my business dropped 90 percent,” he said. “All of the government offices dropped me. I had 260 accounts and I now have 24.”
He said he has no choice but to close the doors of his Automated Intelligent Systems Inc. Oct. 31.
Chung still has the souvenirs of his White House days. A special album of photos shows him with the president, first lady, vice president and other dignitaries.
More of his 3,000 White House photographs can be found on his Website.
“Sometimes,” Chung laughed, “I think I am Forrest Gump.”
WorldNetDaily founders Joseph and Elizabeth Farah also received awards at the Judicial event Saturday night for their entrepreneurship in the New Media. Matt Drudge was recognized for his achievements in broadcast journalism, while other awards went to Reed Irvine of Accuracy In Media and syndicated columnist Robert Novak.
