Tales from the Trail

A possible federal criminal probe, charges of “thug politic tactics” and a foreboding feeling of more wicked tricks to come.

No, it’s not a tease for a new novel filled with political intrigue — it’s the next chapter in the Christine O’Donnell story.

The Tea Party politician from Delaware who famously declared: “I’m not a witch” now declares she’s not a crook.

“There’s been no impermissible use of campaign funds whatsoever,” O’Donnell said on ABC’s “Good Morning America” Thursday.

The former Republican Senate candidate went on defense, appearing on the morning talk shows,  after reports surfaced that the Justice Department is investigating  whether she used campaign money for personal expenses.

O’Donnell says the accusations  were made  by  “fired, disgruntled” former campaign workers and that the  investigation is driven by politics.

“You have to look at this whole thug politic tactic for what it is,” O’Donnell said. “You don’t need a tipster to show that this was politically motivated.”

“We were informed that the Delaware political establishment was going to use every resource available to them, including launching phony investigations, tying me up with lawsuits to make sure I can’t move forward politically,” she said. “I even expect more things to come.”

O’Donnell has run for the same Delaware Senate seat three times — and lost three times. She doesn’t know whether another campaign is in her future, she says, but politics definitely is.

“I am starting a PAC (political action committee) and writing a book because we want to continue giving a voice to the voiceless,” she said. “We want to continue the movement to challenge the establishment.”

Photo Credit: REUTERS/Jason Reed (O’Donnell at election night rally)