[NYTr] Sen.Cantwell to Hand Abramoff Bucks to Tribal Charity
 
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2006 01:21:00 -0600 (CST)

the cash. Do they think they can erase the past by saying "never mind?"
Is it a big do-over? Do they hope to avoid indictment? Do they hope for 
a lighter sentence if they are indicted and need to make a deal?]

AP - Jan 6, 2006
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/W/WA_CANTWELL_ABRAMOFF_WAOL-?SITE=IACED&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Cantwell returning money received from tribes related to Abramoff

By MATTHEW DALY
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. Maria Cantwell responded to the growing scandal
involving lobbyist Jack Abramoff by announcing Friday that she will donate
nearly $18,000 in campaign contributions to a Native American charity.

Cantwell is one of at least seven Washington state politicians who received
contributions from out-of-state Indian tribes represented by Abramoff, who
pleaded guilty Tuesday to fraud, conspiracy and tax evasion in a
wide-ranging political corruption investigation. The next day, he pleaded
guilty to conspiracy and wire fraud charges stemming from his 2000 purchase
of a gambling boat fleet.

Cantwell's campaign said in a statement Friday that Cantwell "has never
taken a penny from confessed criminal Jack Abramoff," but said she had
decided to give money to the National Congress of American Indians Education
Fund to clear up any confusion caused by media reports about donations
related to Abramoff.

The amount being returned, $17,865, includes "any funds from organizations
or individuals that have been connected to Abramoff based on media reports,"
the statement said.

Fellow Democratic Sen. Patty Murray said this week she is keeping nearly
$41,000 in tribal donations related to Abramoff.

Other Washington members of Congress and former lawmakers also are keeping
the money, with the exception of former Rep. George Nethercutt, R-Wash., who
said Thursday he has donated to charity $1,000 he received directly from
Abramoff and his wife. Nethercutt is keeping
$6,000 in campaign contributions from Indian tribes represented by Abramoff.

) 2006 The Associated Press.

       
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