The BNA report noted that it is not yet clear how much money was raised by the joint fund-raising effort with the state parties. Bush campaign spokesman Scott McClellan said that it ceased operating at the end of 1999. He said the arrangement was intended as a way for Bush to help raise money for Republican candidates at all levels. McClellan said that in this case, only hard money had been raised. The contribution was solicited from a Hong Kong businessman, Ambrous Young by then-party chairman Haley Barbour.
Federal law prohibits contributions from foreign nationals.
The National Policy Forum eventually defaulted on the loan. The Democrats asked the FEC to investigate. Noble's office recommended the FEC proceed with the investigation. Democratic officials want a judge to force the FEC to act. .