Out-of-state contributions soar for Wilson

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Out-of-state donations to Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., who shouted "You lie" during President Obama's healthcare speech, have grown, campaign reports indicate.

Documents filed with the Federal Election Commission indicate more than 75 percent of the money Wilson reported receiving came from beyond the Palmetto state, USA Today reported.

First-time contributors to Wilson included a $2,500 donation by the Minuteman PAC, a political action committee focused on illegal immigration, the latest filing showed. Other donors included the National Rifle Association and Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas.

Wilson's Democratic challenger, Rob Miller, saw his out-of-state donations grow as well, up 69 percent from 37 percent when he faced Wilson in 2008, USA Today said. Miller's donors after Wilson's remark included Eagles singer Don Henley and best-selling novelist John Grisham.

Wilson's outburst came while Obama was saying his healthcare plan would not cover illegal immigrants. It earned an official rebuke from the Democratic-controlled House and pushed his rematch with Miller into the national spotlight.

FEC records indicate Wilson raised nearly $2.7 million in the fundraising period that ended Sept. 30, more than any other House candidate and twice the amount Wilson spent in the 2008 election, USA Today reported. Miller collected nearly $1.7 million, documents showed.