Thus there was no basis for anyone to believe that Mr. Riady's contributions to the DNC might be illegal. To suggest that, based upon the routine briefing memo to then-Gov. Clinton is truly absurd. The AP made a weeklong effort to reach Riady, but a spokesman said Monday he was still unavailable for comment. In the past, Riady has said he believes his donations were legal.
Federal law forbids U.S. candidates and parties from accepting foreign money.
The law allows foreigners who are legally and permanently residing in the United States to make donations. U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies can only donate if they use funds generated inside the United States. The memo to Clinton clearly noted that Riady had moved from the United States. And some of the donations were written from Lippo Bank in California on what appear to be starter or counter checks lacking the normal numbering of a personal checkbook. Potter said that in 1992, most fund-raisers would have accepted a green card as reason enough to accept a donation.