|
|
| |
| Fri, Dec. 5, 2008 |  |
 |
|
||
| |
Abramoff taints both lawmakers and lobbyists, Arkansans say Saturday, Jan 7, 2006 By Alison Vekshin Stephens Washington Bureau WASHINGTON -- Former Arkansas members of Congress turned Washington lobbyists say the Jack Abramoff scandal is tainting both professions. Abramoff, once a powerful behind-the-scenes-player, pleaded guilty this week to charges that included bribing members of Congress, defrauding American Indian tribe clients and evading taxes. "This is going to shadow not only the lobbyists but the members of Congress and take away the honest efforts that are being made to present proposed legislation to Congress," said Jay Dickey, a Republican from Pine Bluff who served in the House between 1993 and 2000. Dickey said he trusted lobbyists when he was in office. But the reported ties between Abramoff and lawmakers and staff members who seemingly relied on him for favors were extraordinary, Dickey said. "Never did I see anything that closely resembled what has been described in the news reports as a member of Congress who relied on lobbyists for information and as a lobbyist who is supplying information," Dickey said. Dickey opened J.D. Consulting Co., in 2003 and represents three clients before Congress, including Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Co. The Abramoff scandal "won't change what I'm doing, but it will change the perception," Dickey said. Beryl Anthony, a Democrat from El Dorado who was elected in 1978 and served in the House until 1992, said Abramoff "is without question an exception to the rule. "I just think it's a sad state of affairs," Anthony said. Anthony, a 13-year lobbying veteran, is a partner at Washington lobbying firm Sundquist Anthony, LLC, which represents Champion Homes and Scotts Lawn Care among other clients. Anthony called for further campaign finance reforms to reduce the influence of money in politics, including caps on campaign spending by candidates. "In the eyes of the general public, it puts a dim view over lobbying in general," he said. "For me personally, I don't think it will have any impact on my view as a person because of my reputation." Rules changes are not necessary, said Asa Hutchinson, a Republican and former House member from Fort Smith from 1997 to 2001 who is running for Arkansas governor. "There are good rules in place," said Hutchinson, who served on the House ethics committee when he was in Congress. "No matter how many rules you have in place, you are not going to stop greedy people from trying to take advantage of them," he said. "It would enhance public confidence if the ethics committee moved forward with its own review of the allegations," he said. Hutchinson is a partner at Venable LLP, a Washington law firm. He said only a small part of his work is spent lobbying, with most of his time dedicated to legal and consulting work. He is registered with the U.S. Senate to lobby on behalf of five Venable clients. Arkansas interests in Washington have been tied to lobbying scandals in the past. Springdale-based Tyson Foods, Inc., pleaded guilty in December 1997 to providing more than $12,000 in illegal gifts to former Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy. Jack Williams, Tyson's lobbyist at the time, and Archie Schaffer III, Tyson's senior vice president of external relations, were convicted in a related case. Both were later pardoned by President Bill Clinton. E-mail: avekshin@stephensmedia.com -- 30 -- |
