ACORN Sues Filmmakers, Launches Lobbying Effort

Stung by a series of undercover videos that prompted both houses of Congress to cancel its funding and several government agencies to sever ties, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) is launching a multi-front campaign to rehabilitate its image. ACORN has already started an internal investigation, and suspended some of its services. The group announced in a press release late Wednesday that it is suing filmmakers James O'Keefe and Hannah Giles -- whom ACORN claims illegally filmed employees at its Baltimore office without their consent -- and Breitbart.com, the conservative news Web site that first published the videos.

ACORN staffers and lobbyists are also working hard to charm both the media and Washington lawmakers. Top staffers have been on an "apology tour," explaining the actions of their employees as isolated cases that shocked them as much as anyone else. And the organization's lobbying office is tapping "lightly" on Congressional doors, reminding Democratic lawmakers of the work ACORN does for low-income families.

ACORN officials say the public-relations efforts are less about funding and more about correcting the public's perception of the organization, which has taken a critical hit the past several weeks. The Justice Department announced Tuesday that it would investigate whether the group had received any Justice funds, and the IRS announced Wednesday that it is cutting ties with ACORN's tax-assistance services.

ACORN Fights Back [Politico]