Smith wants FBI investigation into ACORN

Republicans are putting the full court press on ACORN. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Tex.), the ranking Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, is calling for the FBI and Department of Justice to investigate ACORN's alleged misconduct.

The request comes the same day that Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) requested both a Senate investigation and an inquiry by the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs.

In recent days, a handful of ACORN employees were caught on tape helping falsify housing applications for individuals pretending to be prostitutes. A few other ACORN employees were arrested for voter fraud.

"As the primary federal law enforcement agency, the Justice Department has the responsibility to ensure that no organization receiving federal funds ignores our nation’s laws," Smith said today. "Additionally, there is sufficient evidence for the FBI to open a nationwide investigation into ACORN’s activities.  This Administration claims that civil rights investigations will be a priority for the Justice Department. I can think of no better place to start than ensuring that the voter rights of every American are protected by rooting out fraud."