Outgoing Rep. Heather Wilson (R-New Mexico) denies taking any action on behalf of Jack Abramoff's lobbying firm although the latest federal indictment links one of her aides to the scandal.

According to prosecutors, the unnamed aide worked closely with Kevin Ring, one of Abramoff's associates, on a scheme that targeted Sandia Pueblo. The tribe is located in Wilson's district and was seeking Congressional approval to settle a land dispute.

The aide allegedly received event tickets from Ring for helping maintain the tribe's contract with Abramoff's lobbying firm. "I represent the Pueblo regardless of who they hire to represent them," Wilson said in response. "At no time did I take any action on behalf of Greenberg Traurig with Sandia Pueblo."

Wilson supported a bill to settle the dispute, as did other members of the state's Congressional delegation. Sen. Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico) in the past has said the tribe did not need lobbyists to advance the issue on Capitol Hill.

Wilson, who said she hasn't been contacted by the Department of Justice, did not seek re-election in order to pursue the seat being vacated by Domenici, who is retiring. She lost the Republican primary to Rep. Steve Pearce.

Get the Story:
Hill Aide Emerges in Lobbyist's Case (The Washington Post 9/10)
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Wilson denies wrongdoing with Abramoff associate (The Santa Fe New Mexican 9/10)
Wilson defends against link to Abramoff scandal (The Hill 9/10)
Tribe lobbyist indicted on 10 federal counts (Cape Cod Today 9/10)
Wilson: DOJ hasn't contacted her about lobbyist (AP 9/9)

Relevant Documents:
US v. Ring (September 5, 2008)

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Another former lobbyist indicted in Abramoff scandal (9/9)
Tribes still haunted by Jack Abramoff (9/5)
Blog: Some tribes not really Abramoff victims (9/5)
Abramoff sentenced for defrauding tribes (9/5)
Blog: Some tribes not really Abramoff victims (9/5)
Abramoff writes letter to judge before sentencing (9/4)
Abramoff set for sentencing in tribal fraud case (9/3)
Tribes want to speak at Abramoff sentencing (9/1)
Abramoff pleads for leniency ahead of sentencing (8/29)
Native Democrats drop McCain-Abramoff resolution (8/29)
DOJ seeks reduction in sentence for Abramoff (08/28)
Native Democrats tie Abramoff to McCain campaign (8/26)