Republican activist Ralph Reed fought tribes in Louisiana and Texas using funds that came from the Coushatta Tribe, according to Senate testimony on Wednesday.
Reed was hired to fight the Tigua Tribe of Texas and the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians in Louisiana. The two tribes posed a threat to the Coushatta Tribe, a wealthy gaming tribe and former client of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Reed said he was aware that Abramoff represented gaming interests but denies knowing the money came from a gaming tribe. But Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota), the vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, said Reed wanted the source of the money obscured because Reed is an avowed opponent of all forms of gambling.
William Worfel, the former vice chairman of the tribe, also said Reed was aware the tribe was providing the money. He said the tribal council approved payments to Reed in order to protect their casino, which brings in an estimated $300 million a year.
Reed is running for lieutenant governor of Georgia. His Republican opponent, state Sen. Casey Cagle, is trying to use the Abramoff scandal to question Reed's views and ethics.
Get the Story:Reed's fees all paid by casino (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 11/3)
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Statement from Ralph Reed (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 11/3)
Reed Defends Against Claims (WXIA-TV 11/2) Watch Hearing:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee Relevant Documents:
Senate Witness List / Testimony Relevant Links:
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