Posted on 01/09/2006 5:14:03 PM PST by Aussie Dasher
WASHINGTON — Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif., came to the defense of disgraced former lobbyist Jack Abramoff on Monday, saying he's a good person who's been unjustly criticized.
"They're portraying Jack as a monster. I see him more as a good person who's done bad things and has to be punished for doing bad things," Rohrabacher, a longtime friend of Abramoff, said in a phone interview.
"I think that he obviously has done some things that are wrong and illegal and he's going to have to pay the price for it," Rohrabacher said. "I think that a lot of other things that have been characterized as corruption on the part of Abramoff are actually standard operating procedures for lobbying in Washington, D.C. — arranging trips and things like that.
"So I think that he's received a lot of unjust criticism."
Abramoff pleaded guilty last week to federal conspiracy, tax evasion and mail fraud charges. He has agreed to tell the FBI about alleged bribes to as many as 20 members of Congress and aides.
The investigation, which helped force Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, to step down as House majority leader and is sparking lobbying reforms on Capitol Hill, has left Abramoff scant defenders on Capitol Hill.
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(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
I think this sheila's a total bloody dill!
My mistake. I thought anyone called "Dana" would be female...
I now think this bloke is a total bloody dill!
Dana, the surfer, may be a little waterlogged.
My guess is that Rohrabacher's clean and he knows it. Otherwise, why speak up like this? By now, he knows that Abramoff is singing like a canary and Cunningham was wired and in cahoots.
There's no percentage in this kind of position -- unless you're clean.
Bob Dornan must be rubbing his hands with glee. I thought he was nuts when he was attacking Rohrbacher during the last primary, but now I wonder if he wasn't onto something.
Yeah, not exactly someone to come to bat for... "don't hate the criminla, hate the crime"
Jack Abramoff said some hilariously foul mouthed nasty things about the Indian tribes he bilked. Behind their backs he as much as called them morons.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10743996/
The money the Coushatta Tribe and other tribes with casino interests paid to Abramoff helped him spread favors and gain access in the nation's capital -- the subject of speculation about a widening political dragnet. But even more rankling to many Coushattas is the knowledge that Abramoff had, in released e-mails, referred to some of his Native American clients as "monkeys," "troglodytes" and "morons."
"That hit a nerve," Sickey said, frowning and pausing. "That really hit a nerve."
"Stupid Indians!" Abramoff cried as he was carted off to prison...
Problem is Dana, when someones gives you a free vacation, you owe 'em...We know that...You know that...And somehow, you guys worked it out so it's legal...
But not in my book...Everyone of you that has accepted a free gift is a slime...If your salary isn't enough for you, I'll do my best to help you give up your job...After all, you ARE working for me, slimeball...
Yes, I know. But he's a man.
BTW, ping to you Torie, I seem to remember you said you knew Rohrbacher. He was defending some terrorist sympathizers or something when we were having that discussion.
I think Daryl Issa is the sort on terrorists guy, particularly Hezebollah (sp). Dana decided to take on porn as his signature issue, which I found hilarious.
We have such a colorful group out here. I bet you are eating your heart out in drab old Ames.
For a funeral.
Oh.
Wait.
You'd probably call it a "wedding".
Still, I have to find a non-sweater.
Thanks. I could not have said it better myself.
Republican or Democrat, I don't care.
You work for a lobbyist at my expense then I will do everything to make sure you are GOING DOWN!
I'm betting "Beam me up" whatshisname is clapping hands and dancing a jig over this news.
Expelled for ethics violations.
Agree in principle with your assertion. Unfortunately, there is plenty of stupidity that defies logic and this could well be one of those instances. I mean, Delay going to St. Andrews with Abranhoff - Not real bright - And I bet we'll see more of this blatant, arrogant and questionable/corrupt behavior on the part of BOTH Reps and Dems before this has run its course.
Agreed. Rohrabacher is probably clean...but certainly stupid. Having read an account of Abramoff's involvement in SunCruz, there is absolutely nothing gained by defending such a thoroughly corrupt (and corrupting) man.
I'm in favor of taking down everybody who was on the take from Abramoff -- Democrat and Republican alike. A bribed GOPer is no more honorable than a bribed 'Rat.
Of course, I would also be in favor of Congress shedding about 2/3 of its regulatory responsibility and taxing authority, as well. Which would do more to reduce corruption than any other move short of term limits or full disclosure.
Like any of that is going to happen...
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