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)