Ralph Reed, the conservative Christian activist who is running for lieutenant governor in Georgia, has told a few different stories about his involvement with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff but he is sticking to his latest one.
When his name first surfaced in the scandal, Reed denied knowing the source of money he received from Abramoff. He told the media that he was aware that Abramoff had tribal and gaming clients.
After more information came to light, Reed changed his story. He said he knew the money came from Abramoff's tribal clients but that he was assured it wasn't derived from gaming revenues. Reed has been an outspoken opponent of all forms of gambling.
Now Reed admits that he did receive gaming-related funds -- but that Abramoff lied to him about it. In speeches and statements repeated to the media, he said "had I known then what I know now, I would not have undertaken that work" on behalf of Abramoff.
The efforts including a campaign against tribal gaming in Texas. The source of the money was the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, the owners of a financially successful casino.
Another effort was aimed at the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama. The source was the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, another casino owner whose officials claim their lobbying money does not come from gaming.
Get the Story:Ties to Abramoff shadow Reed's run in Georgia (USA Today 1/18) Relevant Links:
Read About Reed - http://www.readaboutreed.com
Stop Ralph Reed - http://www.stopralphreed.com
Ralph Reed - http://www.ralphreed.com
Century Strategies - http://www.censtrat.com Related Stories:
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