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GOP lobbyist scores big with tribes
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2002

Financially successful tribes are more than happy to pay Jack Abramoff, a Republican lobbyist, $500 an hour to argue their cause in Washington, D.C.

The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, for instance, paid Abramoff's law firm $1.76 million during the last six months of 2001 alone, reports The New York Times. "I call Jack Abramoff, and I get results," vice chairman William Worfel told the paper. "You get everything you pay for."

Abramoff was enlisted to fight against a casino compact between the state of Louisiana and the Jena Band of Choctaws. But he never approached the Department of Interior himself and instead got other tribes and lawmakers to voice their opposition.

Another client is the Mississippi Band of Choctaws of Mississippi. Chairman Phil Martin said he was getting his "money's worth," which amounts to more than $1 million during the last half of 2001 alone.

Abramoff works for the Washington office of Greenberg Traurig. He was previously employed at Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds but left last year, taking tribal clients with him.

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan, which has had public relations problems at home and in Washington, has hired Abramoff for $150,000 a month.

Get the Story:
At $500 an Hour, a G.O.P. Lobbyist's Influence Is Rising (The New York Times 4/3)
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Relevant Links:
Greenberg Traurig - http://www.gtlaw.com

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