Sources tell newsweek that Abramoff often steered clients' funds to
ATR as a way to ease access to the administration.

It seems to have worked.

A lawyer for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian tribe in Michigan told
newsweek that tribal leaders had "three for four" meetings at the
White House-including one with Bush and another with Rove-after it
gave a $25,000 donation to Norquist's group at Abramoff's request.

Chris Butler, spokesman for ATR, confirmed the meetings, but said that
they were unrelated to any donations.

And some Republican polltakers are seeing evidence that public support
for Bush's judicial agenda is being hampered by the visibility of
DeLay and his religious allies.

"He helps us gets things done in the House, no question of that," said
a White House insider.

"But I'm not sure his strategy now is helping us-or him, for that
matter."

Meanwhile, Bush was slated to visit Galveston, Texas, this week to
stump for his Social Security reform; DeLay was among the dignitaries
invited to the event and to ride back to Washington on Air Force One.

But no one was expecting Bush to administer a Tex-Mex abrazo.

"He'll recognize him as he does any time there is a congressman at any
event," said a White House aide.

"Both are focused on getting the same things done," said another aide.

"But there are obvious differences in leadership style."

Staffers also questioned whether any of their number would be able to
attend the DeLay testimonial-since most of them will just have gotten
back from Bush's five-day trip to Europe.


http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Newsweek_hints_Bush_backing_off_DeLay_04_24_2005
_1232pm.html

04/24/2005

Newsweek hints Bush backing off DeLay

White House quietly backing away from DeLay?

From Newsweek Monday:

PROSECUTORS, FBI ARE SEEKING TO DETERMINE IF ABRAMOFF AND SOME
ASSOCIATES MAY HAVE PROVIDED UNREPORTED CONTRIBUTIONS OR GRATUITIES TO
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, STAFFERS IN EXCHANGE FOR LEGISLATIVE FAVORS

New York-

Sources close to a Justice probe tell Newsweek that prosecutors and
FBI agents are seeking to determine if Jack Abramoff, a lobbyist whom
embattled House Majority leader Tom DeLay once called "one of my
closest and dearest friends," and some of his associates (including
Michael Scanlon, DeLay's former press secretary) may have provided
unreported contributions or gratuities to members of Congress and
staffers in exchange for legislative favors, Newsweek reports.

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Georgie don' wanna know "The Insect"

Harry