New House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) says he won't return $32,500 he received from former tribal clients of Jack Abramoff.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana gave $15,000 to Boehner's leadership PAC, the Freedom Project. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians gave $9,500; the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of California donated $7,000; and the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan gave $1,000.

Boehner never received donations from the tribes until they hired Abramoff, the Associated Press reported. But unlike other lawmakers who have returned cash linked to the disgraced lobbyist, he said his work on tribal issues justifies keeping the money.

According to a search of Thomas, the Congressional database, the only recent Indian bills Boehner has co-sponsored are those related to tribes and the National Labor Relations Act.

Get the Story:
Boehner aide tied to trip set by Abramoff (AP 2/8)

Earlier Story:
Boehner got tribe donations (The Cincinnatti Post 1/5)

Relevant Links:
Rep. John Boehner - http://johnboehner.house.gov

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