Moroun 1 Ambassador Bridge

A political action committee funded by U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick and the Ambassador Bridge owner, Arab-American Manuel Moroun, has spent more on the congresswoman's family and friends -- including a $350 wedding gift -- than it has on political candidates.
Cheeks Kilpatrick spokeswoman said the congresswoman is on vacation and would not be available until Congress is back in session.
Manuel Moroun's secretary referred all questions to Dan Stamper, president of Moroun's Detroit International Bridge Co.
Moroun, his son, and daughter-in-law, had each contributed $5,000 to the PAC.
The congresswoman's son, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick shortly thereafter then chose the Moroun-owned Michigan Central Depot for a new police headquarters. The 91-year-old building has been an abandoned eyesore since closing in 1988.
Records show the PAC spending more than $27,000. The only money given to a political candidate was $200 given to Detroit City Councilwoman JoAnn Watson in 2003.
$300 donation for her niece Jamila Evans' college expenses
$350 for a wedding gift to Akua Bragg, a relative
Bragg's mother, Andrea, got $159 in January to reimburse her for funeral flowers. Andrea Bragg is Cheeks Kilpatrick's executive assistant.
$1,000 on college expenses for Taniesha Fordham, a former member of the congresswoman's staff
$1,000 to help a supporter, Cheryl Cherry, pay her rent
$232 on car repairs at a dealership in Virginia.
Money was lavished on receptions, given charities and spent on membership fees.
Donations were recorded to the National Kidney Fund, Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church, where the congresswoman is a member
Money went to the Nataki Talibah Schoolhouse of Detroit, where her grandsons were students. (Nataki Talibah is a charter school. One of it’s founders - George N’Namdi has this to say about his management style : “The universe directs me in doing things. I don’t do that formal business-planning kind of approach.” The school is named after his daughter who on Nov. 3, 1974, died of accidental strangulation in her crib. She was 14 months old.)
$561 went to reimburse Ayanna Kilpatrick, the congresswoman's daughter, for photo expenses.
The PAC has missed deadlines for responding to three requests for more information from the Attorney General’s office.
Another person who would like more information about the PAC's expenditures is the congresswoman's nephew, Kamal Cheeks, who said he did not get $350 the PAC said it sent him last year for college expenses.
Asked about the 21st Leaders PAC, Kamal Cheeks said: "I never heard of them till this year."