Monday, August 30, 2004
Bush Campaign Mgr. Viewed in Payoff Scandal
"Christian Values" for Sale?0 comments
Washington Post: Reed Confirms Fees From Indian Casino Lobbyists
Boyish-looking Ralph Reed—the Southeastern Campaign Manager for Bush/Cheney '04, the former executive director of the Christian Coalition and one of the most visible campaign faces on the cable news talking-head circuit heading into the Republican National Convention—has been accused of taking a $1.3 million payoff from Indian tribes with gambling casinos in return for waging a "Christian values" campaign to fight the spread of "the evils of gambling," which might just result from extending casino licenses to competing Indian tribes.
Lobbyist Jack Abramoff and public relations executive Michael Scanlon—the two men who paid the fees to Reed—are subjects of a wide-ranging federal probe with political ramifications in Congress and within the Republican Party.
The inquiry involves at least $45 million in lobbying and public relations fees, alleged misuse of Indian tribal funds, possible illegal campaign contributions and possible tax code violations.
Federal officials have assembled a criminal task force from the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, the Justice Department's public integrity section, the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Interior Department inspector general's office, according to officials familiar with the investigation. The task force is looking into payments that Abramoff and Scanlon received from an array of clients, including 11 wealthy Indian tribes that operate gambling casinos.
Just business: this is how monopolies are formed, and restraint of trade and competition created. And everyone on the inside gets rich. This time dressed up in "Christian values."
posted by Gotham 12:38 PM
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