The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana said it gave $5,000 to Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota) at the direction of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

The donation has been called into question because it was made shortly after Dorgan, the top Democrat on the Senate Interior Appropriations subcommittee, wrote a letter in favor a program that Abramoff's clients supported.

But Dorgan says the contribution had nothing to do with his support for the school construction program.

Overall, Dorgan received $20,000 from Abramoff's former tribal clients. He said at a press conference on Monday that he never met Abramoff or worked on Abramoff's behalf.

Get the Story:
Tribe: Abramoff arranged Dorgan donation (AP 11/29)
Dorgan counters claims: Indian lobby case unfolds (The Bismarck Tribune 11/29)
Dorgan blasts report (The Fargo Forum 11/29)
pwday
Dorgan Responds to Accusations (KFYR 11/28)

November 17, 2005, Hearing:
Video | Documents

November 2, 2005, Hearing:
Video | Exhibits | Senate Witness List / Testimony

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