Abramoff Used Christian Groups To Disguise Cash Sources

How to raise cash, disguise its sources and buy influence
eLottery: This Internet gambling firm hired Abramoff and invested some $2 million in an intricate campaign in 2000 to kill a bill that would have outlawed most online gambling. Abramoff used Christian groups to block the bill on the grounds that it didn't go far enough. Americans for Tax Reform: Founder Grover Norquist was a conduit of funds, and though he took commissions, he isn't accused of breaking the law. He sent $1.15 million from just one tribe to antigambling groups and funneled $150,000 sent by eLottery to the consultancy of Ralph Reed, former chief of the Christian Coalition. Century Strategies: Reed's political consultancy mobilized Christian antigambling groups for Abramoff, without revealing that its funds came from gambling interests. Reed, now running for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, says he did not know about the origins of the money. Full story...

Posted by Editor at January 9, 2006 07:19 AM