Rep. Harman reportedly under investigation

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. Justice Department is trying to determine whether Rep. Jane Harman, D-Calif., got improper help from an Israeli lobbying group.

Harman of California is the senior Democrat on the House intelligence committee. Time Magazine reports she may have received a boost from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee when Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi wanted to remove her from the committee.

Harman left a voice mail for the magazine calling any suggestions of improper conduct "irresponsible, laughable and scurrilous." She has retained Ted Olson, the lawyer who formerly served as President George W. Bush's solicitor general.

Olson told Time Harman did not know of any investigation but decided to retain him after news reports of a probe.

The investigation appears to stem from another probe involving AIPAC. Two former employees have been charged with receiving classified information from Lawrence Franklin, a former Defense Intelligence Agency employee who has pleaded guilty in the case.