In 1972, he resigned as Secretary of Commerce, to chair the finance committee of the Committee for the Re-Election of the President (CRP), Richard Nixon's re-election campaign. Money that he raised for the campaign was clearly used to finance some of the illegal Watergate activities. However, Stans always maintained, and it has not been proven to the contrary, that he had no knowledge of the various Watergate crimes.[citation needed]It was rumored Stans was the source for raising the million dollars in cash which Nixon kept in the White House safe. This cash was used to pay Howard Hunt and the Cuban/engllish Watergate burglars. Stans raised the cash from a list of large contributors by threatening IRS audits.He was indicted in 1973 for perjury and obstruction of justice, but was acquitted the following year.
Photo measures 8 x 10.25 in.
