Lieberman Questions IRS Probe into Obama Speech

Sen. Joe Lieberman has joined the chorus of people questioning the IRS probe into a speech given by Barack Obama at the United Church of Christ convention last summer. Obama, you'll recall, is a UCC member, but the IRS thinks his speech may have been improper church politicking.

Why Lieberman? Two possible reasons: One, he's been an ardent supporter of the place of religion in the public square. Two, the UCC speech was held in Hartford, Conn., his home state. More than anything, Lieberman's a smart guy, and thinks the IRS is barking up the wrong tree on this one.

"Throughout my career in the Senate, I have supported the strong and fair enforcement of our nation's tax laws, including laws applicable to religious institutions. But I am concerned about the chilling effect on legitimate activity by religious organizations that results from initiating a church tax inquiry without first satisfying the reasonableness standard, and I am further concerned by the lack of clear guidance in this area."