ACORN Shuts Down in New York; Still Kicking Nationwide?

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: In The News

(AP / CBS)

Updated 6:14 p.m. Eastern Time

Embattled community group ACORN has shut down operations in New York, but reports that it is dissolving its national structure may be premature.

Numerous media outlets are reporting that the group -- which faced a torrent of criticism after edited videos showed ACORN employees offering objectionable advice to a pair of young conservative activists masquerading as a pimp and prostitute – has suspended most of its nationwide operations.

Those reports cited sources close to the group. But Kevin Whelan, an ACORN spokesman, denied the reports Monday afternoon, telling The American Prospect that "it is not true that ACORN is closed for business all across the country. It still exists."

That does not mean there isn't something afoot: In Brooklyn, a group called NY Communities For Change lists as its address the offices that had belonged to the Brooklyn chapter of ACORN.

In a statement late Monday afternoon, ACORN confirmed to Hotsheet that "today in New York a group of grassroots leaders and organizers who have worked with ACORN for many years announced today that they are establishing a new, state-based organization."

"ACORN's national leadership respects the decision of this dedicated group of community leaders who have done so much to help make their neighborhoods, cities, state, and the country a better and fairer place," said Whelan, the spokesman. "We know they will continue to do great work and we wish them well."

He went on to say that Bertha Lewis continues to serve as ACORN's CEO and Chief Organizer and that she is unaffiliated with the new New York group.

In California, a group called Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment recently announced "the leadership and staff that were working with ACORN in California made the decision to break off from ACORN and launch a new organization." There are also reports that the Massachusetts chapter of the group has become "New England United for Justice."

ACORN saw its federal funding, as well as some foundation grants, cut in the wake of the video scandal. The group has long been a target of conservatives who accuse it of election fraud, pointing in part to evidence that employees have submitted false voter registration forms. (The group has also had issues with embezzlement.)

A "senior official close to the group" told Politico that "ACORN has dissolved as a national structure of state organizations," adding that "each of the states are developing plans for reconstitution independence and self-sufficiency."

While the national structure does not appear to be dissolved as of now, that process may effectively be underway. Whelan told Hotsheet in a statement that "It's no secret that ACORN has had to fight hard to survive a series of vicious right wing attacks over the past year and half and that this has made it harder for ACORN to raise funds and organize and serve its members."

"We understand the desire of local grassroots leaders in some states to move ahead focusing solely on the fight to improve their communities," he said.

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by dadirt February 23, 2010 10:44 AM EST: I beleive thay have changed their name and are looking at getting 450 million from the government. Obama will find a way to keep them going.. It is the chicago way.

Keep pushing the below 10% unemplyment. their figures have increased numbers unemployed and the percentage goes down. Washington book keeping at is's best. I bet is it closer to 20% now. People have given up looking.; Reply to this comment

by RobAla February 23, 2010 7:45 AM EST

I understand that 2010 US Census takers will not distinguish between US citizens and those who immigrated to the United States illegally. There is no way that illegal immigrants should be counted in the 2010 US Census. Thoughts of the possibility that Congressional district lines could be redrawn, based on representation of non US citizens, disturbs me greatly. It is outrageous that non citizens may be given the same representation as US citizens. This is very wrong.

Secondly, it is very important to make sure that no politically active (or groups proven to be corrupt - like ACORN) be involved in census gathering. In particular, there is no way ACORN should receive federal funding of any kind. Regardless of how this corrupt organization restructures, it should not receive a penny of taxpayer funding for any thing at any time.

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by barvosump February 23, 2010 10:22 AM EST: proven corrupt? The only indictments are for the clowns (O'keefe and Giles) recording audio without permission. Have you read anything beyond the right wing whining points. The organization is dedicated to three things: voter registration, housing for lower income individuals, and raising the minimum wage. They did nothing wrong other than not running and screaming like a little ***** because someone talked about prostitution. (Daddy, daddy help me them people is talking dirty). Do a little reading before you make some all encompassing statement like "they are a proven criminal empire". They are a proven decent organization dedicated to helping the helpless in our corrupt society.


by jgg000101 February 23, 2010 10:36 AM EST: actually, acorn has been indicted in 15 states and 70 employees have been convicted of voter registration fraud. That's pretty corrupt in my book

by andacar February 23, 2010 2:20 AM EST

The hardships of ACORN prove that the old Nazi tactic of screaming a lie loud enough and often enough still works. The fact is that Republicans don't like ACORN because they are very good at rallying non-right wing voters. I suspect if you could uncover all the voting misdeeds of both ACORN and some equally active Republican PAC, you'd find similar amounts of occasional legal misdeeds. But that of course is a logical comparison, and the Republicans have always been better at the shrilly screamed BS. They have always been masters of the realm where facts are suspect, a tainted tool of liberal elites. Too many people today are buying it all.

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by dadirt February 23, 2010 10:46 AM EST: No matter what gets dug up, dem's deny what is right in front of ther face. Cannot blame republicans for their greed and corruption. Can't blame Bush for this. Step up and take it where it needs to go. By the way Elvis is dead!


by Clemsson February 22, 2010 9:37 PM EST: ACORN is a terrorist enterprise that should be hunted ruthlessly unto its ruin like the KKK was.; Reply to this comment


by retm-w February 22, 2010 7:52 PM EST: They'll just change their name and it will be business as usual.; Reply to this comment


by CBSisCommunist5 February 22, 2010 7:31 PM EST: But unemployment still at 10%; Reply to this comment


by -One_American- February 22, 2010 5:58 PM EST: ACORN is a criminal enterprise that is desperate and running from the law - but it cannot outrun the long arm of the law.; Reply to this comment