White House: No library connections

WASHINGTON, July 16 (UPI) -- The White House said Wednesday that it is not involved in fundraising efforts for the planned George W. Bush presidential library in Texas.

Bush spokeswoman Dana Perino said "there's no connection between the library and actions in the administration."

She said Bush administration officials are "not allowed" to be a part of the library efforts.

"President Bush has asked that members of his foundation do not inform him about anyone who has written a check, or decided not to write a check, until after he's no longer president," Perino said.

Perino's comments came a day after a congressional panel began investigating whether lobbyist Stephen Payne was offering potential library donors access to top level White House officials.

The Sunday Times of London taped Payne discussing Bush library contributions when meeting a Central Asian politician and a reporter posing as an associate, where he offered meetings in exchange for donations.