What does Ohio Republican Congressman Bob Ney, who pleaded guilty yesterday to federal charges on bribery and corruption, have in common with George Allen? Their voting records, for one thing. But, more to the point, both received money from slimeball Republican lobbyist/felon Jack Abramoff. According to Wikipedia:
In 2005, Abramoff's dealings as a lobbyist became the subject of federal investigations into fraud and alleged illegal influence-peddling schemes. The investigation is vast and among the largest in American political history, involving hundreds of dedicated FBI agents and an entire Inter-Governmental Agency, including investigators from multiple federal departments and bureaus. So far, it has led to several plea agreements by those involved, including Congressman Bob Ney (R-OH), and it is believed that further indictments may be forthcoming as federal law enforcement officials continue to assemble evidence in an attempt to close in on Abramoff's high-profile political associates and their involvement in a complex web of alleged illegal influence peddling.
And, just to remind everyone, Jack Abramoff only gave to Republicans. 100%. Also, just to remind everyone, the Republican-controlled Congress STILL has not enacted serious lobbying reform. legislation. Gee, I wonder why not. Maybe George Allen and/or Tom Davis have some answers?
Lowell Feld is Netroots Coordinator for the Jim Webb for US Senate Campaign. The ideas expressed here belong to Lowell Feld alone, and do not necessarily represent those of Jim Webb, his advisors, staff, or supporters.
Yeah, Abramoff contributed to Allen. Abramoff contributed to every goddamned Republican on the planet.
But is there any hint of anything improper in the contributions to Allen? Any hint of some sort of legislative quid pro quo? If so, please tell us. If not, restain yourself in the future from grossly wild claims -- you harm the Webb and Democratic causes more than you help.
ABC News
Democrats Jump on Ney's Plea Deal
September 15, 2006 2:14 PM
Jake Tapper Reports:
In the wake of Rep. Bob Ney's (R-OH) guilty plea, Democrats are bringing back the "culture of corruption" charge and challenging House Republicans to give back the more than $472,000 in campaign contributions Ney has made to them.
"Ohio and all of America is ready to move on from the wave of corruption that has plagued Washington under Republican leadership," said Congressman Rahm Emanuel, Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. ***
Check out the long list of those coming under fire for accepting contributions from Rep. Ney.
Spencer Bachus (AL): $23,357
Michael Rogers (AL): $6,000
Rick Renzi (AZ): $11,000
Mary Bono (CA): $1,000
John Doolittle (CA): $1,000
Bob Beauprez (CO): $6,000
Marilyn Musgrave (CO): $5,000
Tom Tancredo (CO): $1,000
Rob Simmons (CT): $6,000
Ginny Brown-Waite (FL): $2,000
Mario Diaz-Balart (FL): $1,000
Tom Feeney (FL): $1,000
Mark Foley (FL): $1,000
Katherine Harris (FL): $8,000
Ric Keller (FL): $1,000
John Mica (FL): $2,500
Phil Gingrey (GA): $5,000
Tim Johnson (IL): $2,000
Mark Kirk (IL): $1,000
Chris Chocola (IN): $8,000
Steve King (IA): $500
Tom Latham (IA): $3,000
Geoff Davis (KY): $4,000
Anne Northup (KY): $1,000
Rodney Alexander (LA): $6,000
Charles Boustany (LA): $10,000
Thaddeus McCotter (MI): $1,000
Candice Miller (MI): $1,000
Mark Kennedy (MN): $4,500
John Kline (MN): $1,000
Chip Pickering (MS): $7,000
Sam Graves (MO): $6,000
Jon Porter (NV): $6,000
Charlie Bass (NH): $1,000
Jeb Bradley (NH): $1,000
Mike Ferguson (NJ): $7,500
Scott Garrett (NJ): $1,000
Steve Pearce (NM): $2,000
Heather Wilson (NM): $6,000
Vito Fosella (NY): $500
Virginia Foxx (NC): $5,000
Robin Hayes (NC): $1,000
Steven LaTourette (OH): $13,250
Ralph Regula (OH): $5,000
Patrick Tiberi (OH): $25,857
Mike Turner (OH): $1,000
John Sullivan (OK): $2,000
Charlie Dent (PA): $5,500
Phil English (PA): $5,000
Michael Fitzpatrick (PA): $5,500
Jim Gerlach (PA): $7,000
Melissa Hart (PA): $21,121
Joe Knollenberg (PA): $2,000
Bill Shuster (PA): $7,000
Michael Conaway (TX): $1,000
Ralph Hall (TX): $500
Jeb Hensarling (TX): $1,000
Randy Neugebauer (TX): $5,000
Pete Sessions (TX): $5,000
Rob Bishop (UT): $1,000
Thelma Drake (VA): $1,500
Randy Forbes (VA): $1,000
Cathy McMorris (WA): $2,500
Dave Reichert (WA): $5,000
Shelly Moore Capito (WV): $7,500
Paul Ryan (WI): $250
Ohio GOP: $45,000
NRCC: $47,000
RNC: $75,000