Missouri Republicans dumping Abramoff’s cash
Missouri Republicans scrambled yesterday to try to distance themselves from Jack Abramoff and the corrupt lobbyist’s donations after he pleaded guilty mail fraud, conspiracy and tax evasion charges.
Governor Matt Blunt announced Wednesday that he was giving away the $1,125 Abramoff gave him in March 2000 for his secretary of state campaign. The Governor’s father, Congressman Roy Blunt, also announced he would be donating cash given to him. The acting House majority leader said that he would be giving all the money Abramoff gave him ($8,500) and his “Rely On Your Beliefs” (ROYB) political leadership fund to an as-yet-unnamed charity.
According to earlier reports, Roy Blunt signed a letter to President Bush in 2003, along with 33 other lawmakers, urging him to reject a Louisiana Indian casino after receiving donations from Abramoff or his associates or rival tribes.
Senator Kit Bond said he would donate the $12,500 that he received between 2002 and 2004 to the Salvation Army. Sen. Jim Talent returned $3,000 of contributions connected to Abramoff last year.
Congressman Sam Graves also received $3,000 from Abramoff in the past few years but hasn’t yet said what he plans to do with it.
Source: Stlargus.com
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