At least one member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan is still supporting Jack Abramoff even after the disgraced lobbyist pleaded guilty to defrauding tribes.

Patricia Anne Peters, who runs http://www.sagchipvoices.org, says Abramoff didn't commit any crimes. "He did no wrong to our tribe, he did his job," she said in a statement quoted by the Associated Press.

Peters is opposed to Chief Audrey Falcon, who terminated the tribe's relationship with Abramoff, and former subchief Bernie Sprague, who testified before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and accused Abramoff of theft.

The tribal leadership doesn't share the same views as Peters but is continuing is lobbying effort in Washington, with the hiring of the Holland & Knight firm and Ietan Consulting. The firms recommended the tribe make about $250,000 in contributions to federal and state politicians.

Get the Story:
Saginaw tribe tries to put Abramoff in past (AP 2/18)

Indianz.Com Lobbying Reports:
McCain seeks to close 'revolving door' in Washington (06/28)
Lobbying Report: The revolving door in Washington (06/06)
Lobbying Report: The Holland & Knight firm (05/23)

Relevant Links:
Saginaw Chippewa Tribe - http://www.sagchip.org
Saginaw Chippewa Voices - http://www.sagchipvoices.org

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