A former White House official who has been indicted as part of the Jack Abramoff scandal failed to cut his lobbying ties after going to work for Rep. Chris Cannon (R-Utah).
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that David Safavian took a "leave of absence" from his firm Janus-Merritt Strategies in 2001. Cannon was unaware that he didn't cut his lobbying ties, a spokesperson said.
Janus-Merritt represented the National Indian Gaming Association, the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians and other gaming interests. During the time Safavian worked for Cannon as chief of staff, Cannon took the same side as these clients. Cannon denies being influenced by Safavian.
Safavian has pleaded not guilty to lying to the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and to other investigators. He allegedly denied having dealings with Abramoff at the time Abramoff inquired about federal properties. Safavian was chief of staff at the General Services Administration at the time he was questioned by the committee and other investigators.
When Safavian went to work for the Bush administration, he finally cut all ties to the firm.
Get the Story:Ex-Cannon staffer had lobbying firm links (The Salt Lake Tribune 11/23) Relevant Links:
Rep. Chris Cannon - http://chriscannon.house.gov Related Stories:
Ex-White House official claims 'set-up' over Abramoff (11/15)
GOP feels threatened by Abramoff scandal (10/17)
Abramoff scandal takes toll on GOP, White House (10/14)
Former official pleads not guilty in Abramoff probe (10/10)
Indicted ex-Bush official worked for NIGA, tribes (10/07)
Former Bush official indicted in Abramoff probe (10/06)
Cannon denies ex-Abramoff lobbyist set agenda (09/29)
Ex-White House official sought to close GovWorks (09/27)
Editorial: Abramoff scandal taints the White House (09/26)
Ex-Bush official blames arrest on Abramoff probe (09/22)
Column: Abramoff scandal visits the White House (09/21)
Arrested Bush official has questionable ties (09/21)
White House official arrested in Abramoff probe (09/20)
Utah congressman hired ex-Abramoff associate (09/02)