Senator Reid should return the dirty money
The Washington Times reports today that Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, and four other lawmakers are being scrutinized in the Justice Department investigation into influence-peddling on Capitol Hill by lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Reid’s staff is denying any wrongdoing:
Jim Manley, Mr. Reid’s spokesman, said that no official acts were performed for Abramoff and that the senator has always opposed the expansion of off-reservation gambling, a stance favorable to Abramoff’s clients.
But Reid refuses to return the money:
[page 2 of article] Mr. Reid has acknowledged receiving contributions from Abramoff’s clients, but has said he does not intend to return the money because it represented legal donations. The sources said Mr. Reid is thought to have collected as much as $61,000 in donations from Abramoff clients, including Indian tribes.
Why is Reid refusing to return the money? Others who have received donations from Abramoff are returning the money to avoid any conflict of interest.
Senator Reid has been quick to demand resignations from members of the Administration. Perhaps the Senator should consider resigning.