ACORN, the community group from which a mighty oak of political controversy grew, announced it is filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy by the close of business Tuesday. In March, it began bringing its national operations to a close.

�For over 40 years ACORN has fought the good fight,� said CEO Bertha Lewis, today, in a statement� on the group�s website. �The ongoing political onslaught caused irreparable harm.�

That onslaught began two years ago with allegations the group condoned fraud in its work registering voters. ACORN denied the allegations, but the drumbeat grew stronger when a young conservative activist, James O�Keefe, released highly-edited videos purporting to show ACORN staffers condoning illegal activities. Congress blocked federal funding for the organization, which began shrinking soon thereafter.

Filing for Chapter 7 means liquidating and selling off all remaining assets and closing up shop.

(Source: CNN)