While reviewing the posts below, note this new Associated Press story indicating that SD Senators are giving away Abramoff money but that Daschle/Hildebrand are refusing to and keeping the money. The South Dakota Democratic Party doesn't know whether it will keep its Abramoff money:
Former Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle, the South Dakotan who was defeated by Thune in 2004, received tens of thousands of dollars in campaign donations from Abramoff's associates and tribal clients. Steve Hildebrand, Daschle's former campaign manager, said Wednesday that he will not return or give away the money because it would be "a big slap in the face to Native Americans across the country."
Hildebrand said that giving the money away would "be a suggestion that he accepted the contributions for the wrong reasons and that's not the case."
He said that Abramoff's associates who donated to Daschle were friends of his campaign before they became involved with the controversial lobbyist.
"These people were helping to raise money for Daschle before Abramoff ever turned up," Hildebrand said.
The South Dakota Democratic party also received thousands of dollars connected to Abramoff, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Party officials would not say Wednesday whether they would return or give away the money.
A few weeks ago the SD Democratic Party and liberal bloggers were attacking Thune regarding Abramoff.
Recent Comments