Non-profit "bagmen" for the White House or whom?

[kentuck]

Non-profit groups, some religious, have been acting as "go-betweens" to funnel tax-exempt money to their special causes, an obvious illegal activity. And some of the leaders of these "tax-exempt" groups skimmed money from the top with each donation. How many years in prisons should they receive?
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READ THIS!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/24/AR2006062401080_pf.html

<snip>
Newly released documents in the Jack Abramoff investigation shed light on how the lobbyist secretly routed his clients' funds through tax-exempt organizations with the acquiescence of those in charge, including prominent conservative activist Grover Norquist.

The federal probe has brought a string of bribery-related charges and plea deals. The possible misuse of tax-exempt groups is also receiving investigators' attention, sources familiar with the matter said.

<snip>
The Senate committee report also details Abramoff's dealings with two others from the College Republicans crowd: Ralph Reed, former Christian Coalition executive director; and Amy Moritz Ridenour, president of the National Center for Public Policy Research, which sponsored a golf trip in 2000 to Scotland for then-Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Tex.).

"Call Ralph re Grover doing pass through," Abramoff wrote in a stark e-mail reminder to himself in 1999, a year in which Norquist moved more than $1 million in Abramoff client money to Reed and Christian anti-gambling groups. Reed was working to defeat lotteries and casinos that would have competed with Abramoff's tribal and Internet gambling clients.

<snip>
In September 2002, Abramoff suggested to one of his associates placing $500,000 in client funds with the national center because the group "can direct money at our discretion, anywhere if you know what I mean."

The same morning Abramoff messaged Ridenour: "I might have $500K for you to run through NCPPR. Is this still something you want to do?" Ridenour was enthusiastic: "Yes, we would love to do it."

....much more

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[Hugin]

1. It's too bad "Hard Labor" has been removed from sentencing...

They can come over and help me "clear brush".

[tanyev]

2. I hope you have gloves for Ralphie.

He hates it when he messes up his manicure.

[Hugin]

3. I have special plans for Ralphie...

The sub-pump sump has filled up again...

He can bring his own gloves, but, I'll gladly supply the hip-waders.

[Turbineguy]

4. Holy cow!

How many republicans will be forced to go straight if they can no longer deduct the cost of committing crime? Obviously the Bush Administration will have to invent another loophole for these people.

[kentuck]

5. Will these guys be prosecuted ?

It appears there is evidence to convict. I wonder what the relationship is between Ralph Reed and Jim Dobson at this time? Dobson has been a vocal and strong opponent against gambling. Now he finds that Ralphie was playing both sides of the fence? I can imagine the reaction of Dobson.. :)