Rep. Bob Ney (R-Ohio) says he hasn't been told he is under investigation for his ties to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff but he has nonetheless spent $136,000 to defend himself.
News reports say federal investigators are looking into Ney because of Abramoff's failed purchase of a fleet of casino boats. Ney inserted comments in the Congressional Record that appeared to favor Abramoff's partner in the deal.
Ney has also been linked to Abramoff in other ways. In 2002, he promised to sponsor a Congressional rider that would have helped the Tigua Tribe reopen its casino. He later claimed he was "duped" by Abramoff.
Ohio Democrats say Ney should step down from his post as chairman of the House Administration Committee. Ney is known as the "mayor" of Capitol Hill because the committee controls budgets, equipment, offices and parking for the House.
Get the Story:House Chairman Spends $136G on Abramoff (AP 10/20)
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Ohio Democrats want Rep. Ney to step down (Gannett News Service 10/20)
Ney: No Mobile link (The Copley Repository 10/20)
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