Former Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham, a Republican from California who resigned on Monday after pleading guilty to taking bribes, once made a callous remark about Indian people.

In 1995, Cunningham chaired a hearing on a legislative proposal that would have gutted programs for Indian elders. "Why should we care about them? They don't pay taxes," he said, according to the American Indian Policy Center [Link].

Cunningham admitted taking $2.4 million in bribes to steer military contracts to friends and contributors and to tax evasion. Republicans, including President Bush, denounced his actions yesterday.

Get the Story:
Disgraced lawmaker remembered for hostility towards Indian elders (The Native American Times 11/29)
Republicans Denounce Ex-Lawmaker (The New York Times 11/30)
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Contractors Linked to Bribery Case Worked Together (The Washington Post 11/30)
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