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Oakland Campaign Donations May Be Illegal

OAKLAND (AP) - A security company may have violated the law by donating to Oakland city council members and candidates while seeking a $2 million city contract, according to the city auditor.

Auditor Courtney Ruby said Tuesday ABC Security got a key council recommendation for the contract following the donations even though it was deemed not to be among the top bids. Ruby's investigation also questioned the legality of donations made by Sam Tadesse, managing partner at Marina Security.

Ruby has forwarded the case to the city's Public Ethics Commission.

Among those who received donations from ABC Security was Councilwoman Jane Brunner, who recommended the city renew its contract with the company.

Brunner said she has never based her vote on a campaign contribution and would return the money.

Calls to Ana Chretien, CEO of ABC Security, and Marina Security were not immediately returned.

(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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