Tribal dispute raises new questions of Abramoff; Donations to senator ...

[lala_rawraw]

Abramoff's former firm held three fundraisers for senator investigating Abramoff

By John Byrne | RAW STORY Editor

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A simmering battle between factions of a Native American tribe in Iowa has raised new questions about the dealings of tribal lobbyist Jack Abramoff, his relationship with a conservative advocacy group and donations to members of Congress, RAW STORY has learned.

During a leadership dispute in 2003, a faction of the Iowa Meskwaki tribe seized control of the tribe’s casino and hired Abramoff’s firm to represent them in Washington. The tribe’s former leaders have questioned whether Abramoff-linked donations made to Iowa’s senators and their political action committees influenced their actions during the conflict.

Iowa’s senators stress that they never took sides in the dispute. Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley and Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin say donations from the lobbyists and Abramoff’s clients in 2003 and 2004—which total more than $50,000—had no bearing on their actions. Sen. Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, is currently investigating Abramoff’s lobbying activities.

The new leadership of the tribe has also revealed that they gave $50,000 to an organization founded by Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton. The group has come under scrutiny for allegedly pressuring Interior to favor Abramoff’s clients.
http://rawstory.com/exclusives/byrne/abramoff_grassley_meskwaki_casino_421.htm

[xchrom]

1. too bad about harkin -- but i hope this gets all over

grassley.

i mean all over him.

[stillcool]

2. How typical of our government investigative committees...

I'm still getting over James Baker having anything to do with anybody's vote.

[NVMojo]

3. is this unfucking-believable or what??? We should be used to this

deception and corruption??

[LatePeriduct]

4. Amazing...kick n/t