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Opinion
Editorial: Lobbying scandal threatens Bush


"Hasn't President Bush had enough bad news in recent weeks? Now there are reports that a Republican lobbyist sought payment of $9 million from a west African official for a meeting in the Oval Office. The lobbyist, Jack Abramoff, is being investigated by two U.S. Senate committees and was indicted in Florida on fraud charges.

Investigators have not nailed down whether Mr. Abramoff actually arranged the meeting, but the President did spend time with President Omar Bongo of Gabon on May 26, 2004. Nor have they documented whether Mr. Abramoff or any of his firms received the payment. But they have found letters from Mr. Abramoff to President Bongo spelling out how and when the $9 million was to be paid.

If the deal was consummated as he prescribed, you have to admire Mr. Abramoff's ability to think big when it comes to billing for a deal. Back in 1996, donors to the Democratic National Committee only had to come up with $100,000 for a whole night in the Lincoln Bedroom. Face-time with President Bush, it appears, is far more dear. Or else it's inflation."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Lobbyist with access to the White House raises new problems for the President (The Allentown Morning Call 11/20)

November 2, 2005, Hearing:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee

Relevant Documents:
Exhibits from Hearing | Senate Witness List / Testimony

Relevant Links:
Council of Republicans for Environmental Advocacy - http://www.crea-online.org/crea

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