Ralph Reed regrets taking Abramoff money
Former Christian Coalition leader Ralph Reed says he regrets funding an antigambling campaign with money from indicted Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff’s casino-owning clients.
Reed’s ties to the lobbyist have become campaign fodder as he runs for lieutenant governor. Reed also angered religious groups when it was revealed that his work was funded by tribes that were trying to stifle would-be competitors.
For some reason, the faithful were upset that Reed took millions from Abramoff to stop a casino (the money came from one tribe trying to stop another from building a casino) thinking this makes Reed a hypocritical sleazebag since he piously pretended to oppose gambling and gambling money. He may really regret this because apparently he didn’t register as a lobbyist when he took the money.
Sen. Burns to return Abramoff-linked money
Retreating under fire, Republican Sen. Conrad Burns of Montana will return donations that he received from indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his associates.