Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is wielding an Internet pick and shovel in an attempt to dig up dirt on his 2016 White House campaign opponent, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
On Paul's Twitter page, the libertarian senator solicits: "Do you know of Hillary Clinton accepting money from foreign countries? Report it now."
His fishing expedition continues on his website, which asks: "Do you have additional information about the Clinton Foundation accepting foreign contributions?"
During a speech to the Susan B. Anthony List pro-life group, Paul said: "There's going to be stuff coming out about the Clinton Foundation and their donations from different companies that get special approval from the secretary of state."
Story continues below video.
Paul likely was referring to a new book due out in May "Clinton Cash: The Untold Story of How and Why Foreign Governments and Businesses Helped Make Bill and Hillary Rich" — by Peter Schweizer,
The New York Times noted.
"We will see a pattern of financial transactions involving the Clintons that occurred contemporaneous with favorable U.S. policy decisions benefiting those providing the funds," Schweizer writes, the Times reported.
Brian Fallon, Clinton campaign spokesman, told the Times the book is part of a GOP tactic of "twisting previously known facts into absurd conspiracy theories."
However, Paul,
Politico notes, says the new information will "shock people" and possibly throw a monkey wrench into Clinton's presidential machinery.
Meanwhile, Paul is digging for more.
"You ever hear 'em ask Hillary Clinton, this money she's getting, whether it influences her decisions?" Paul asked the Susan B. Anthony group. "There's going to be stuff coming out about the Clinton Foundation and their donations from different companies that get special approval from the secretary of state. Coming out in the next couple of weeks."
Paul,
Bloomberg notes, has said, "There's going to be something coming out in the next few weeks about companies that she approved deals for. Significant amounts, over $100 million being given to her foundation."
Schweizer's book notes: "From 2001 to 2012, the Clintons' income was at least $136.5 million," the Times reports. "During Hillary's years of public service, the Clintons have conducted or facilitated hundreds of large transactions" with foreign governments and individuals. "Some of these transactions have put millions in their own pockets."
Politico notes: "The Washington Post and Fox News 'have exclusive agreements with the author to pursue the story lines found in the book.' "