Top Dem says S.C. Senate nominee 'should be investigated'

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/06/10/art.clyburnfile.gi.jpg caption =" House Democratic Whip James Clyburn has called for an investigation into Alvin Greene's candidacy."]

Washington (CNN)- Majority Whip James Clyburn is calling for an investigation into the source of funds that currently-unemployed Senate Democratic nominee Alvin Greene used to pay his state party's $10,440 filing fee in South Carolina.

During an appearance on the Bill Press radio show, Clyburn said, "Nobody in his or her right mind would believe that an unemployed person would take $10,000 out of his or her pockets to run for the United States Senate. That doesn't add up. Somebody gave him that $10,000 and he who took it should be investigated and he who gave it should be investigated."

On Wednesday Greene told CNN that "I funded my campaign entirely out of my pocket." "I am self-managed and self-funded out of my personal money, everything up to this point." Greene said.

Greene, whose candidacy was almost unknown before Tuesday's Senate primary, paid the fee to the South Carolina State Democratic Party in March.

Kristie Grecko, a spokesman for Clyburn's office said that Clyburn's remarks are based on the fact that "Alvin Greene does not have an income."

Grecko also said that Clyburn has asked the State Democratic Party to reach out to the federal government to investigate the matter.

When asked if there were any investigations pending regarding Greene, William Nettles, US Attorney for South Carolina, told CNN that he "cannot confirm or deny any FEC election investigation."

FEC representative Mary Brandenburg would not comment on Greene's case specifically, but said that that candidates "are not required to file with the FEC until they have passed a $5,000 fundraising and spending threshold."

Clyburn is not the only Democratic leader who is dissatisfied with the explanation behind Greene's surge into politics. South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler called for Greene to withdraw from the nomination on Wednesday, following a media report that Greene is facing felony charges.