Fallout 0
Ralph Reed, of the Christian Coalition, seems to be running into some trouble with his campaign for the Republican nomination for Lt. Governor of Georgia:
“Did you accept any gifts, commissions or other payments of any kind from Mr. Abramoff, and are you likely to be a party in the unfolding investigation?”
Ralph Reed’s ties to former lobbyist Jack Abramoff have hurt what has been a promising political career for the former head of the Christian Coalition.
Abramoff, the once-powerful lobbyist at the center of a wide-ranging public corruption investigation, pleaded guilty Jan. 3 to fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials in a deal that requires him to provide evidence about members of Congress.
Silence enveloped the 60 or so Republicans in the auditorium, and Reed’s cheerful manner turned tense. “No,” he replied. “No to all these.”
Mr. Reed’s website’s lead story as of today is that
Reed Campaign Makes History, Shatters Fundraising Records $1.8 Million Raised Gives Reed Largest Cash Advantage for any Lt. Governor Candidate, Republican or Democrat, Entering Election Year in Georgia History
They leave out the part that, as details of the Abramoff affair have spread, Mr. Reed’s fundraising has started to tail off (follow the link to the Washington Post story for details).
Later on in the story, a citizen who was interviewed on the street said this (emphasis added):
“Ralph Reed? He’s a politician,” said David Loudenflager, a Republican who retired after working 32 years for the Arrow Shirt Company. “He was involved with Jack Abramoff and the Indians and all those.”
Loudenflager does not like the Democratic Party — “they give away everything” — but he puts no stock in the Christian Coalition: “All these people running around telling you how good they are, and how right they are. You better be careful and hold on to your wallet.”
Mr. Louodenflager’s is good advice.
I have always found it wise to be careful of those who break their arms patting themselves on the back.
