November 17, 2006
This is from the web page of ABC’s Brian Ross:
“As convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff reported to federal prison Wednesday, a source close to the investigation surrounding his activities told ABC news that incoming Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was one of the members of congress Abramoff had allegedly implicated in his cooperation with federal prosecutors.”
Jim Manley, a spokesperson for Reid, said the senator had done nothing wrong, adding, “we have no idea what abramoff is telling prosecutors to save his skin, but I do know that these kind of old allegations are completely ridiculous and untrue.”
The source told ABC that Abramoff told prosecutors more than $30,000 in campaign contributions to Reid from Abramoff’s clients “were no accident and were in fact requested by Reid.”
Abramoff has repeatedly claimed the Nevada senator agreed to help him on matters related to Indian gambling. The Associated Press reported earlier this year that Reid wrote at least four letters helpful to the tribes that had contributed money to his campaign. Reid has denied any connection. Stay tuned. This could be very interesting.
Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.
