Senator gives away lobbyist-linked cash (Abramoff)

Items compiled from Tribune news services
Published December 20, 2005


WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A second senator involved in the congressional investigation of indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff is giving away campaign donations connected to the lobbyist.

Montana Sen. Max Baucus, ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, is donating $18,892 he got from Abramoff's clients and associates to seven tribal colleges in his state.

The committee is part of a congressional investigation of Abramoff's activities.

Spokesman Barrett Kaiser said Baucus has never met Abramoff and never took any contributions directly from him.

North Dakota Sen. Byron Dorgan, ranking Democrat on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, returned $67,000 in donations earlier this month. That committee also is investigating Abramoff.

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