Why the GOP Smear of Reid and Abramoff Money Won't Stick

by molly bloom, Mon Jan 09, 2006 at 12:24:35 PM EST

Tim Russert on Meet the Press implied to Senator Schumer on January 8, 2006 (video here) that Harry Reid had taken Abramoff money. Senator Schumer pointed out that was an incorrect statement of fact and noted that some Indian tribes did donate money to Senator Reid, but there was zero evidence that there was any quid pro quo.

Since bribery is a character issue, I submit this small but well known story about Senator Reid when he was the Nevada State Gaming Commissioner from 1977-1981 into evidence:

In July of 1978, a man named Jack Gordon, who was later married to LaToya Jackson, offered Reid twelve thousand dollars to approve two new, carnival-like gaming devices for casino use. Reid reported the attempted bribe to the F.B.I. and arranged a meeting with Gordon in his office. By agreement, F.B.I. agents burst in to arrest Gordon at the point where Reid asked, "Is this the money?" Although he was taking part in a sting, Reid was unable to control his temper; the videotape shows him getting up from his chair and saying, "You son of a bitch, you tried to bribe me!" and attempting to choke Gordon, before startled agents pulled him off.

As Howard Dean reminded Wolf Blitzer yesterday, no Democrats took money from Casino Jack, no Democrats are under investigation. This is a GOP bribery scandal. When anyone mentions that Harry Reid in this, remind them of this story.



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Native population (none / 0)

If I am not mistaken, Nevada has a large Native American population.   Therefore, I don't think it is strange that Reid would have recieved funds from Native Americans, given his position in Congress.  
by dpANDREWS on Mon Jan 09, 2006 at 01:48:45 PM EST

Re: Native population (none / 0)

Lots of Democrats from western states with sizable Native American populations got tribal money with the same faint Abramoff connection, like Murray and Cantwell. Cantwell gave hers to charity, but Murray said essentially "This isn't Abramoff money, this is Native American money, so screw you, I'm keeping it." As long as the Dems keep repeating how that distinction is simple and clear (a la Howard this weekend), even Murray's position should be fine.
by Crazy Vaclav on Mon Jan 09, 2006 at 06:57:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Native population (none / 0)

Pretty sure that Reid is on the committee for Indian affairs too.
Tennesseans for Russ Feingold
by schwompa on Mon Jan 09, 2006 at 08:26:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

More importantly (none / 0)

does this sound like a man would can be bribed?
"Once in a while you get shown the light In the strangest of places if you look at it right"
by molly bloom on Mon Jan 09, 2006 at 02:02:49 PM EST

haha (none / 0)

i can totally picture reid kicking his ass.  priceless.
Visit us at TexasKAOS, where we're taking Texas back!
by annatopia on Mon Jan 09, 2006 at 02:30:26 PM EST

This is gold! (none / 0)

This should be the party line whenever anyone asks about Reid - the FBI guys had to pull him off of that sleazeball! The more I learn about Harry, the more I like the guy, and the more I want to beat the pants off of those dirtbags smearing him. Let's push this story into the conversation about ethics and lobbying reform.
"There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America"- Bill Clinton
by bluenc on Mon Jan 09, 2006 at 05:22:21 PM EST

I would have paid money (none / 0)

to see Reid choaking Abramoff trying to bribe him.
by DaveB on Mon Jan 09, 2006 at 05:32:12 PM EST

me too (none / 0)

where can we find that fbi tape?
"blogtopia - yes, i coined that phrase!"
by skippy on Mon Jan 09, 2006 at 10:58:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

To make sure everyone is clear (none / 0)

Reid did not choke Abramoff. Read choked Jack Gordon in a completely unrelated bribery attempt. The point is Reid isn't likely to be susceptibe to a bribe which makes it harder for the GOP to sell the idea that Reid took Abramoff money and therefore Democrats do it too.
"Once in a while you get shown the light In the strangest of places if you look at it right"
by molly bloom on Mon Jan 09, 2006 at 11:02:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]


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