| Submit your comments on this article | |
| Home Front: Politix | |
| ABC: FBI Investigating Hastert - DOJ says not | |
| 2006-05-24 | |
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dennis Hastert, is under investigation by the FBI, which is seeking to determine his role in an ongoing public corruption probe into members of Congress, ABC News has learned from high level government sources. Federal officials say the information implicating Hastert was developed from convicted lobbyists who are now cooperating with the government. Part of the investigation involves a letter Hastert wrote three years ago, urging the Secretary of the Interior to block a casino on an Indian reservation that would have competed with other tribes. The other tribes were represented by convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff who reportedly has provided details of his dealings with Hastert as part of his plea agreement with the government. The letter was written shortly after a fund-raiser for Hastert at a restaurant owned by Abramoff. Abramoff and his clients contributed more than $26,000 at the time. The day Abramoff was indicted, Hastert denied any unlawful connection and said he would donate to charity any campaign contribution he had received from Abramoff and his clients. A spokesman for Speaker Hastert told ABC News, "We are not aware of this. The Speaker has a long history and a well-documented record of opposing Indian Reservation shopping for casino gaming purposes." This week, Hastert has been outspoken in his criticism of the FBI for its raid on the office of another congressman under investigation, Democrat William Jefferson of Louisiana. "My opinion is that they took the wrong path, Hastert said of the FBI. "They need to back up, and we need to go from there." | |
| Posted by:Nimble Spemble |
| #5 Hayworth. Deal. |
| Posted by: Nimble Spemble 2006-05-24 22:00 |
| #4 or Tancredo...OK, maybe TOO one-issue...how about Hayworth? |
| Posted by: Frank G 2006-05-24 21:58 |
| #3 If Denny wants to keep from getting a new title, like Minority Leader, he'd better hang tough in the negotiations with the Senate about the immigration bill and do something about earmarks NOW. Even with DOJ denying, but ABC not retracting, I'm ionclined to write my Rep to tell him the House needs new leadership.. Like Pence or Flake. |
| Posted by: Nimble Spemble 2006-05-24 21:56 |
| #2 He needs to STFU about the raids on Jefferson's office. Search warrants were obtained and Jefferson refused to give up the info voluntarily. Hastert looks as arrogant as Jefferson in this, and even if Denny's not guilty of anything....it smells bad |
| Posted by: Frank G 2006-05-24 21:34 |
| #1 Man, I hope Denny isn't involved in some stupid sh*t. However, if he is, get rid of his ass - I'm sick of this crap from both sides of the aisle. One word for all politicians - YOU WORK FOR THE U.S. TAXPAYER ASSHOLES! |
| Posted by: Broadhead6 2006-05-24 21:20 |