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Texas Senator Wants Lobbyist Investigation

TEXAS – As reported by the El Paso Times: "Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso, will ask state Attorney General Greg Abbott today to investigate two former Washington insiders who took $4.2 million from the Tigua Indians to help the tribe reopen Speaking Rock casino after allegedly working behind the scenes to help shut it down.

"Lobbyist Jack Abramoff and public relations consultant Michael Scanlon are under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department for allegedly defrauding Native American tribes across the nation out of more than $66 million.

"…Allegations of fraud, racketeering and theft involving several Texas laws require an immediate investigation by Abbott and state prosecutors, Shapleigh said.

"…Tribal Gov. Art Senclair said the tribe cannot get involved in Shapleigh's call for a state investigation.

"…The Senate Indian Affairs Committee this week released records showing that Scanlon and Abramoff each collected $21 million of the $66 million in fees paid to Scanlon's companies by six tribes, including the Tiguas. The tribes also paid $16 million in lobbying fees to Abramoff's law firm. The lobbyists produced little for their fees…"

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