Republicans – Obama Should Condemn IRS Targeting Of Conservative Groups

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are calling on President Barack Obama to personally address the Internal Revenue Service's targeting of conservative groups during the 2012 election season.

The IRS, an independent agency, has apologized for scrutinizing the tax-exempt status of groups with conservative titles such as "Tea Party" or "Patriot" in their names. White House spokesman Jay Carney said Friday it was wrong.

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins said Sunday she was disappointed Obama "hasn't personally condemned this."

She said the revelations were "chilling" and she didn't buy that a couple of rogue IRS employees were the only individuals responsible.

A draft of a watchdog report obtained Saturday by The Associated Press reveals senior officials at the IRS knew of the targeting as early as 2011.

Collins appeared on CNN's "State of the Union."