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Lobbyists worked for, against 'moronic' Tiguas
Monday, September 27, 2004
Two Washington lobbyists who are the subject of an upcoming Senate hearing helped organize opposition to the Tigua Tribe of Texas and then sought the tribe's money when its casino was shut down.
Lobbyist Jack Abramoff and public relations consultant Michael Scanlon worked with Christian conservative Ralph Reed to call for the closure of the tribe's casino. The state had been locked in a multi-year legal battle over the status of the facility, which had been offering Class III games.
A federal court sided with the state and ordered the casino to be closed. Then, Abramoff and Scanlon approached the tribe with the promise of reopening the casino. According to The Washington Post, the tribe gave $4.2 million to Scanlon's firm in hopes of obtaining favorable legislation.
At least $2.1 million went to Abramoff, according to the paper. In an e-mail, Abramoff called the Tiguas "moronic" and said he wanted to get his "mitts" on the their money.
The Senate Indian Affairs Committee holds a hearing Wednesday on the lobbying activities of Abramoff and Scanlon.
Get the Story:
Insiders Worked Both Sides of Gaming Issue
(The Washington Post 9/25)
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