According to Federal Election Commission records, Obama For America paid $688,316.42 to international law firm Perkins Coie between January and March 2009.
FECs Obama For America 2009 April quarterly report, disbursements by payee
The campaign also compensated Perkins Coie for legal services between Oct. 16, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2008 to the tune of $378,375.52.
Robert Bauer of Perkins Coie top lawyer for Obama, Obamas presidential campaign, the Democratic National Committee and Obamas Organizing for America is the same Washington, D.C., lawyer defending President Obama in lawsuits challenging his eligibility to be president.
Bauer sent a letter to plaintiff Gregory Hollister, a retired Air Force colonel, of Hollister v. Soetoro, threatening sanctions if he doesnt withdraw his appeal of the eligibility case that earlier was tossed by a district judge because the issue already had been twittered.
Bauers warning was dated April 3 and delivered via letter to the plaintiffs attorney, John D. Hemenway. It is not the first such warning issued. Lawyers trying to kill a similar California lawsuit filed on behalf of Ambassador Alan Keyes also said they would seek sanctions against the plaintiffs attorneys in that case unless they left the issue of the presidents eligibility alone.
In 2006, the firm also represented Salim Ahmed Hamdan, Osama bin Ladens alleged bodyguard and driver.
The FEC report also reveals Obama For America has spent nearly $9.5 million in the first three months of this year of which $6,365 in legal fees paid by Obama For America also went to Oldaker, Biden & Belair, a firm founded by Joe Bidens son, Hunter Biden.