Sen. Nelson in Islamic donation dispute

OCALA, Fla., Nov. 14 (UPI) -- The re-election campaign of Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., has become entangled in a dispute over whether an ardent Islamic activist made a political contribution.

Nelson's campaign says it rejected a $500 donation by activist Ahmed Bedier, who has called Israel a "terrorist state," because of his criticisms of Israel, The Miami Herald reported Monday.

However, Bedier said he never made the contribution and the host of the Oct. 22 fundraiser, Ocala pharmacist Manal Fakhoury, backed Bedier's denial.

"He did not give money," said Fakhoury, who held the fundraiser for 60 people at her home. "I saw the [donor] list."

Bedier said he never wrote a check to Nelson, asking, "Where's the evidence I gave him money?"

Nelson campaign spokesman Christopher Robinson wouldn't discuss the matter and sent few details in an e-mail to the Herald.

But a Nelson finance director said the check was returned after an Internet search turned up Bedier's statements about Israel engaging in "terrorism."

Conservatives pounced on Nelson for appearing at all with Bedier, known for his calls for a fair trial and treatment of former University of South Florida Professor Sami al-Arian, who was charged in federal court with aiding terrorists and pleaded guilty to one count.

The campaign of Nelson Republican challenger Adam Hasner said the Democrat was trying to "cover up for his abysmal record of indifference and ignorance toward Israel."

"The fact of the matter is that Israel policy is just another area where Bill Nelson is a shameless cheerleader for President Obama's agenda," Hasner spokesman Rick Wilson said