A Republican strategist for President George W. Bush's re-election campaign admitting taking more than $1 million from two Washington lobbyists being investigated for high fees they took from tribes with casinos.

Ralph Reed, former executive director of the Christian Coalition, earlier denied being associated with lobbyist Jack Abramoff and public relations executive Michael Scanlon. The two received at least $45 million in fees from tribal clients.

But Reed confirmed to The Washington Post that he accepted money from the pair despite having "worked for decades to oppose the expansion of casino gambling." One news report said he was hired to help the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, which owns a casino, prevent another tribe from opening a casino.

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee will hold a hearing September 14 on the lobbying investigation.

Get the Story:
Reed Confirms Fees From Indian Casino Lobbyists (The Washington Post 8/30)
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