CBC News: Bush administration paid columnist to push its agenda: "WASHINGTON - The Bush administration paid Armstrong Williams, a prominent Washington columnist, to promote its education policy, possibly violating U.S. law.

Williams has admitted taking money in return for spotlighting the so-called No Child Left Behind education initiative.

A number of federal laws prohibit taxpayer money being used to influence public opinion.

The story broke in USA Today's weekend edition, which followed a Freedom of Information request.

Williams received $240,000 U.S. for his help through a public-relations firm hired by the Education Department.

The White House has referred questions on the matter to the Education Department, whose spokesman said the Williams contract followed standard guidelines.

Williams now says he regrets taking the contract."

(Via Google News.)