"Move over Keating Five. Make way for the Abramoff thirtysomething. As the Associated Press reported last week, top lobbyist Jack Abramoff appealed to some three dozen members of Congress to write to Interior Secretary Gale Norton, urging her to block an Indian casino in Louisiana that threatened other casino tribes that had hired him.

Offices for the above lawmakers are outraged that anyone would suggest that these fine officeholders wrote these letters for filthy donations.

Doolittle spokeswoman Laura Blackann noted, "It should come as no surprise that Congressman Doolittle should sign a letter opposing Indian gaming, since he has an established 25-year record of fighting against the expansion of all forms of gaming, here in California and across the country." Doolittle opposed California's state lottery.

Then maybe the surprise is that two Big Casino tribes donated $16,000 to the war chest of this upright gambling foe.

Another surprise: As part of his work for the casino tribes, Abramoff apparently funneled $4 million to the anti-gambling Ralph Reed, former leader of the Christian Coalition."

Get the Story:
Debra J. Saunders: Who's the monkey now? (The San Francisco Chronicle 11/22)

November 2, 2005, Hearing:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee

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

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