Steele demands investigation into alleged WH perks for top Dem donors

Republicans called for an investigation into allegations that President Barack Obama gave top donors special access to the White House on Wednesday.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) demanded an investigation into a report published in The Washington Times that top donors to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) had been rewarded with access to privileged White House tours, behind-the-scenes briefings and other perks.

RNC Chairman Michael Steele said that the White House had effectively become a "full-service resort" during Obama's tenure, likening the alleged access to the benefits former President Bill Clinton had offered to some friends and top donors during his time in office.

"The seriousness of this issue requires an immediate investigation looking into the degree and details of fundraising efforts between the White House and DNC, whether there was any quid pro quo offered to donors, and the names of White House officials who were involved in such activities," Steele said Wednesday in a statement.

He also said that the administration should release the names of any White House visitors who received any such access.

"The White House should also immediately release the names of donors who have accessed these perks or received special briefings from administration officials," Steele said. "Candidate Obama pledged to clean up the muddy waters of Washington, but President Obama has jumped in head first.”