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Not all lawmakers will give up Abramoff's money

WASHINGTON - While dozens of lawmakers are dumping contributions from disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his clients, others - including Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid - say they plan to keep the money.

Other officials and lawmakers, from President Bush to Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel of New York, are splitting the difference. They say only some of the money linked to Abramoff is tarnished.

As recently as Wednesday, Rangel refused to return any of the money he received from Abramoff-linked clients or firms. On Thursday, his spokesman said the congressman would give up $2,000 from a law firm where Abramoff once worked - donating it to the Boys Choir of Harlem - but would keep the rest, about $47,000.

"He has no problems with his contributions from Native American tribes and he's not returning any of that," said spokesman Emile Milne. "It would be ridiculous for us to assume that these tribes would be forced or directed by Abramoff to help congressman Rangel."

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., said she will donate $2,000 received from tribes Abramoff worked with but will keep contributions from lawyers at his firm.

Rep. J.D. Hayworth, R-Ariz., co-chairman of the Congressional Native American Caucus, has received more than $150,000 from Indian tribes once represented by Abramoff, donations he has said he will keep because they were given independently of Abramoff's influence. He donated to charity $2,250 he got from Abramoff.

Others who plan to keep Abramoff-related money include Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., with $41,000; Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., $42,500; and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., $10,000.

"These are political judgments rather than ethical judgments. If you are politically smart you give it all back to try to get as far away from this scandal as you can," said Steve Cohen, a professor of politics at Columbia University.

Reid received $61,000 from tribes that were Abramoff clients. He won't give any of that money away, said spokeswoman Tessa Hafen.

Abramoff, 46, appeared in Miami federal court Wednesday, admitting to conspiracy and wire fraud connected to his purchase of a gambling boat fleet.

A day earlier in Washington he pleaded guilty to three other federal charges as part of a deal with prosecutors to cooperate in an investigation that could involve as many as 20 members of Congress and aides, including former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas.

[Last modified January 6, 2006, 01:05:09]