Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Illinois), the Speaker of the House, denied involvement in the Jack Abramoff scandal after ABC News published a report on Wednesday that said he was one of several lawmakers under investigation.

Abramoff is providing information about Hastert's involvement, ABC News said. Hastert was one of several top Republican leaders who urged former Interior Secretary Gale Norton to reject an off-reservation casino [PDF].

The letter came after Hastert and the other Republicans received campaign contributions from Abramoff or held fundraisers at his former Washington restaurant. But a spokesperson said Hastert "has a long history and a well-documented record of opposing Indian Reservation shopping for casino gaming purposes."

Get the Story:
ABC News Update on Hastert Story (ABC News 5/24)
Hastert Demands Retraction Of ABC News Report (The Wall Street Journal 5/24)
DOJ: Hastert is not under investigation (The Hill 5/24)
Justice Department says Hastert not under investigation (The Chicago Tribune 5/24)
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Hastert denies involvement in corruption scandal (Financial Times 5/25)
DOJ Statement (DOJ 5/24)
Officials: Hastert "In the Mix" of Congressional Bribery Investigation (ABC News 5/24)

Relevant Links:
Rep. Dennis Hastert - http://www.house.gov/hastert

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