Some Republican lawmakers and conservatives are shying from anti-tax activist Grover G. Norquist over his ties to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Norquist still holds enormous influence within the GOP for his anti-tax work. But the investigation into Abramoff has raised concerns about the use of organization, Americans for Tax Reform, as a "conduit" for tribal gaming money.

"People were willing to cut him a lot of slack because he's done a lot of favors for a lot of people," one Republican told The Washington Post. "But Grover's not that likable."

Grover allowed Abramoff to use ATR to funnel money from the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, according to the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. The money went to Ralph Reed, who was concerned that his anti-gaming stance would be in jeopardy if it became known he was in bed with a major gaming tribe.

Grover said the report glossed over ATR's long relationship with the Choctaws. ATR took a $25,000 "fee" each time the tribe sent money to Reed, a Choctaw official said.

Get the Story:
Powerful GOP Activist Sees His Influence Slip Over Abramoff Dealings (The Washington Post 7/9)
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Senate Indian Affairs Committee Abramoff Report:
�GIMME FIVE�� INVESTIGATION OF TRIBAL LOBBYING MATTERS (June 2006)

Exhibits:
Pre-2001 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | Undated | Finance

Relevant Links:
Americans for Tax Reform - http://www.atr.org

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