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Choctaws were first to donate to 'Family' group
Monday, March 27, 2006

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians made the first donation to the U.S. Family Network, a nonprofit started by a former aide to Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), The Washington Post reports.

Edwin A. Buckham created the group in 1996 while he was chief of staff to DeLay. The first check -- for $15,000 -- came from the Choctaws, a former client of Jack Abramoff's. DeLay later inserted comments in the Congressional record that praised Choctaw Chief Phillip Martin and he worked to kill an Internet gaming bill the tribe opposed.

During its five years of existence, the U.S. Family Network took in $3.02 million. Buckham and his wife received $1.0 million, according to records examined by The Post.

Federal investigators are looking into the activities of the group and have subpoenaed records.

Get the Story:
Former DeLay Aide Enriched By Nonprofit (The Washington Post 3/26)
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Relevant Links:
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians - http://www.choctaw.org

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