The Coushatta Tribe filed a lawsuit in Louisiana court on Tuesday against ex-lobbyists Jack Abramoff and Michael Scanlon.

The tribe gave $32 million to Abramoff, formerly of the Greenberg Traurig law firm, and Scanlon, a public relations consultant. The tribe wants the money back, plus punitive damages, accusing the two men of fraud and negligence. The law firm was also named in the suit.

The tribe hired Abramoff and Scanlon to oppose gaming efforts by other tribes, including the Jena Band of Choctaws in Louisiana and the Poarch Band of Creeks from Alabama.

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee will hold a hearing today at 3pm on the issue. The Tigua Tribe will testify about its involvement with Abramoff and Scanlon. A video feed can be found at http://indian.senate.gov.

Get the Story:
Lobbyist, Firm Sued By Indians Over Fees (The Washington Post 11/17)
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Coushattas sue lobbyist, PR consultant over $32 million payments (AP 11/17)
Indian lobbying probe resumes today (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 11/17)

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