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Bit player takes center stage in Abramoff scandal
Monday, June 27, 2005
After the Senate Indian Affairs Committee concluded its June 22 hearing into the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal, the media rushed to talk to the one person who knew the least about it: David Grosh.
Grosh was the former director of the American International Center, a group whose sole purpose appeared to be accepting donations from Abramoff's wealthy clients. He was lured into the position by an old school friend, Michael Scanlon, Abramoff's partner.
"I asked him what I had to do, and he said 'Nothing'. So that sounded pretty good to me," Grosh told the committee.
Grosh said the group did little during its existence. For the first five months, they rented a house and "installed some computers," he testified.
"Did you have any board meetings?" asked Sen. John McCain, the chairman of the committee. "Um, I recall one," Grosh replied. "How long did that last?" said McCain. "Fifteen minutes," said Grosh.
Grosh said he has held a variety of jobs, including lifeguard, construction worker and "preschool mentor." Another person involved in the scandal was Brian Mann, a yoga instructor who refused to testify.
Get the Story:
Lifeguard to exec in a day
(The Australian 6/27)
Simplicity Takes a Star Turn in Washington (The New York Times 6/26)
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Committee Exhibits:
Part 1 |
Part 2
Witness List/Testimony:
Oversight
Hearing Before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on the In Re Tribal
Lobbying Matters, Et Al (June 22, 2005)
Relevant Links:
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians -
http://www.choctaw.org
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