Abramoff probe looks to Nashville-based PAC (Christian grp.)

[NVMojo]

August 2, 2006

An evangelical Christian political action group based in Nashville has been subpoenaed by federal investigators to produce records that may tie them to Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

J. Thomas Smith, president of America 21, said Tuesday that he couldn't confirm reports that he or his records have been subpoenaed. A memo Abramoff wrote in 2001 to a Native American tribe telling them to contribute to America 21 was made public last year.

Reached by phone Tuesday, Smith said he could not confirm any subpoenas. In a statement issued later Tuesday, Smith denied any allegation of wrongdoing and said that no money from his organization ever paid anyone targeted in the Abramoff investigations.

The National Journal, a weekly political paper based in Washington, reported this week that the nonprofit civic lobbying organization was being scrutinized as part of the federal influence-peddling probe into Abramoff's dealings. It cited unnamed sources.

When asked if Abramoff had any connection to his organization, Smith said, "None that I know of. I really shouldn't be talking about that."

more...

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060802/NEWS02/608020417/1009/NEWS

[Judi Lynn]

1. Can't wait to see the outcome of this.

J. Thomas Smith turns up on a list of the "Top 20 Christian Organizations." Many of the others are very recognizable, in a completely repugnant way: they are real right-wing hate-mongering loons, of course.
http://www.priestsforlife.org/news/top20list.htm

[NVMojo]

2. thanks for the link!

[NVMojo]

3. It seems like America 21 is taking credit for the Republican House?

The stated purpose of America 21 is to "educate, engage, and mobilize Christians to influence national policy at every level." The conservative, nonprofit lobbying organization was active in the 2002 elections that maintained a Republican majority of the U.S. House of Representatives. America 21 ran an outreach program in 2002 that targeted voters with conservative religious ties. The group maintains a public charity and a civic organization that is involved in political lobbying.

[Anakin Skywalker]

4. About Damn Time!

:)

[Ian David]

5. Jesus called- he said something about "Money Changers." n/t

[tanyev]

6. K&R