Outgoing U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz's campaign is accused of taking more than $90,000 in illlegal contributions from a the Republican Mainstreet Partnership Political Action Committee or PAC.

The accusations come from the Club for Growth, the group behind much of the funding for Schwarz's Republican primary opponent: U.S. Rep.-to-be Tim Walberg. The group also claims the Schwarz campaign was too closely tied with that outside PAC that supported Schwarz's run.

"It's going to be difficult to determine whether or not Congressman Schwarz is exerting any kind of control over the PAC," said Rich Robinson, executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network.

Robinson says that complaint could be significant.

"These are interesting things and they may actually have some precedent value," he said.

The complaint also alleges the Schwarz campaign did not properly identify who paid for some television and radio ads.

The charges come after three federal election commission complaints from the Schwarz campaign.

(A spokesman for the Schwarz campaign didn't return our page seeking comment.)

Political consultant Ed Sarpolus says the charges and counter-charges could have a major impact on Walberg's political future.

"Because it tarnishes Walberg in two years that he had participated in improper activity and fundraising and accepting money."

Sarpolus says the counter-charges are a way to help protect Walberg's image. Still, he says it's not terribly unusual for poltical candidates to file these kind of charges.

So when will we know if any of the charges are valid?

"Some of these investigations take years," Sarpolus said.

That is to say for all the political posturing potentially involved -- the issue might not be resolved by the next election.