Rep. Chris Cannon (R-Utah) is opposing a bill that would ban Internet gaming but his motives are being questioned, The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Cannon says the bill could actually lead to an expansion of online gaming. But he apparently didn't take that position until he hired David Safavian, a former associate of Jack Abramoff who lobbied for the National Indian Gaming Association, gaming tribes and other gaming interests.

Safavian worked as chief of staff for Cannon before joining the Bush administration. Safavian has since been indicted on charges of lying and obstructing justice in the Abramoff probe.

After Safavian left, Cannon hired three other staffers who use to lobby for the gaming industry, The Tribune said.

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Cannon's motives questioned on fighting Net gambling ban (The Salt Lake Tribune 4/12)