Tribal Leaders Reject Donation of Abramoff Money
Montana tribal colleges may receive funds
WASHINGTON
The Montana-Wyoming Tribal Leaders Council has rejected a $111,000 donation from the campaign of Montana Sen. Conrad Burns, with some saying the money is tainted because it originally came from disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his clients.
James Steele Jr., chairman of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, says the council voted not to accept the donation, which was made up of contributions from Abramoff, his associates and his tribal clients.
Julia Doney, president of the Fort Belknap Indian Community Council, a member of the council, says some of the tribes are “tired of being used” and do not want to appear as if they are helping Burns with his political troubles.
In a statement, Burns’ campaign chairman Mark Baker called the decision disappointing and said Burns would redirect most of the money to the tribes that originally donated the money.
Burns, a Republican, said in December that he would give away or return $146,700 in donations in order to avoid the appearance of improper connections to Abramoff, who pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges in early January.
Abramoff admitted to conspiring to defraud American Indian tribes, which he sometimes directed to make contributions to lawmakers. Since his plea agreement, many lawmakers have rushed to return any money connected to him and his clients.
