Abramoff Scandal
Pombo denies being lobbied in Mashpee recognition


Rep. Richard Pombo (R-California) says a bill he sponsored that would have helped the Mashpee Wampanog Tribe of Massachusetts had nothing to do with the tribe's lobbyist -- Jack Abramoff.

Pombo introduced a bill that would have forced action on the tribe's languishing federal recognition petition. Other tribes in similar circumstances would have benefited as well.

Pombo also held hearings that included the tribe. But he says he never knew Abramoff was working for the Mashpees.

"I can't remember any lobbyist speaking to me about the Mashpee," Pombo told The Stockton Record.

Around the same time however, Pombo received $19,000 in campaign contributions from Mashpee leaders, Abramoff and the tribe's financial backers.

Pombo is running for re-election. His Democratic opponent, Jerry McNerney, has made Abramoff a campaign issue.

Get the Story:
Abramoff case dogs Pombo (The Stockton Record 10/29) $ad1 Relevant Links:
Rep. Richard Pombo - http://www.house.gov/pombo
House Resources Committee - http://resourcescommittee.house.gov

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