Group seeking pardon for former Fargo businessman

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - The executive director of the North Dakota Republican Party says a presidential pardon is being sought for a former state party chairman and congressional candidate who pleaded guilty to lying in a federal campaign fundraising investigation.

John T. Korsmo was sentenced to 18 months probation and was fined $5,000 in 2005 for making false statements involving a fundraiser that took place three years earlier, while he was chairman of the Federal Housing Finance Board.

GOP Executive Director Gary Emineth says the pardon request has been in the works for about two months.

Korsmo told WDAY radio he is not involved in the request but said the actions of his supporters are "encouraging and gratifying."

Emineth won't identify those working on the request, but he says it involves about six people.