More Hypocracy From Christian Right

Ralph Reed, Southeast regional chairman of the Bush-Cheney ’04 campaign and former executive director of the Christian Coalition, "confirmed on Sunday that he accepted more than $1 million in fees from a lobbyist and a public relations specialist whose work on behalf of American Indian casinos prompted a federal investigation."

Roll Call reports Reed, who has formerly referred to gambling as "a cancer on the American body politic," was paid more than $3.8 million during a yearlong period in 2001 and 2002 by Michael Scanlon, a former aide to House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) (DeLay is currently the subject of four major investigations involving possible ethics and lobbying violations). An inquiry is underway, led by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), a senior member of the Indian Affairs Committee, involving at least $45 million in lobbying and public relations fees, alleged misuse of Indian tribal funds, possible illegal campaign contributions and possible tax code violations.