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Politics
Congressman questioned during lobbyist probe


An Ohio Congressman who tried to help a Texas tribe reopen its casino said he was questioned by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee for his involvement in a Washington lobbying scandal.

Rep. Bob Ney (R) agreed to insert a rider to help the Tigua Tribe. But he says he was duped into doing so by lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who is being investigated by the committee for allegedly bilking tribes of more than $66 million. Public relations consultant Michael Scanlon is also under investigation.

Ney said he was questioned by the committee but was told he was not a target. He says the Department of Justice has not questioned him.

Ney was part of a $4.2 million plan dubbed "Operation Open Doors" that the tribe paid for in hopes of getting its casino opened.

Get the Story:
Ney says he has nothing to fear from investigation of lobbyists (The Cleveland Plain-Dealer 12/10)

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