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Congressman denies knowing of tribe's backing
Monday, October 18, 2004
Rep. David Vitter (R-Louisiana), a candidate for U.S. Senate, denies knowing that his campaign against a tribal casino was backed by another tribe whose lobbyists are being investigated by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and federal authorities.
Vitter says he didn't know that the Committee Against Gambling Expansion was funded by the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana. He says he is opposed to all gaming -- the Coushattas own a casino.
The committee fought efforts by the Jena Band of Choctaws to open a casino in Louisiana. The Coushattas employed lobbyist Jack Abramoff and public relations executive Michael Scanlon to fight the project in Congress and at the state level.
Abramoff denied playing a role in the committee, which was ran by Scanlon, according to news reports. But the Senate investigation showed that Scanlon gave "kickbacks" to Abramoff.
The next hearing on the matter is set for November 17.
Get the Story:
Vitter denies knowing of gambling group aid
(The Baton Rouge Advocate 10/16)
Vitter's ties to Indian gambling group questioned
(AP 10/16)
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