The Toledo Blade has an in depth story on the man behind the Ohio Coingate controversy, Tom Noe. Noe, along with his wife, was a Bush pioneer, used his campaign cash to buy influence and, after submitting a request to the White House and Speaker  Hastert’s office, was granted a seat  and ultimately chairman of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. From here, he used his influence and position to get insider information that would benefit his rare coin business.  

Noe was also able to persuade Congress to authorize for the first time ever the minting of a 24 karat gold coin.

Unfortunately for Noe, his influence peddling didn’t last very long. He’s now under investigation by both the Treasury Department’s Inspector General as well as being charged with money laundering campaign contributions to President Bush’s campaign.

Go to the Toledo Blade for more information.