GOP lawmakers seek probe of Bishop's funds

State and local Republicans called for a Federal Elections Commission probe Wednesday of Rep. Tim Bishop after a report that his daughter Molly, who serves as his fundraiser, sought a donation from a hedge fund manager Bishop was helping to get a permit for a home fireworks show.

"These revelations are extremely serious and need to be investigated by the FEC," said Becky Miller, state GOP spokeswoman. "This is exactly the type of behavior that makes average New Yorkers disgusted with career politicians who are more interested with getting re-elected than being a public servant."

Diana Weir, campaign manager for Bishop's GOP foe, Randy Altschuler, said the disclosures about the Southampton Democrat's fundraising "clearly demonstrates a pattern of unethical, and, in this case, possibly illegal behavior." She said an investigation is needed because Suffolk residents are entitled to know "whether it was a crime."

Bishop, in a prepared statement, maintained that Altschuler and his aides were distorting the incident. The fireworks company is owned by the family of Felix Grucci, whom Bishop ousted from office a decade ago.

"I am deeply troubled by Randy Altschuler, senior executives in the Grucci fireworks company, Diana Weir, a former Felix Grucci political operative, teaming up to make outrageous, unfounded attacks on my character and my family," Bishop said. "Given their history of making unfounded personal attacks on me, these new reckless accusations of criminal activity should not be a surprise."