Washington – Republican lawmakers said Sunday that President Bush should publicly disclose White House contacts with Jack Abramoff, the lobbyist who has pleaded guilty to felony charges in an influence- peddling case.
Releasing the records would help eliminate suspicions that Abramoff, who helped raise more than $100,000 for Bush’s re-election campaign, had undue influence on the White House, the Republicans said.
“I’m one who believes that more is better, in terms of disclosure and transparency,” said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.
The president has refused to reveal how much access Abramoff had to the White House but has said he does not know Abramoff personally. Bush has said federal prosecutors are welcome to see the records of Abramoff’s contacts if they suspect something inappropriate, but he has not released them publicly.
Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., who appeared with Thune on “Fox News Sunday,” said all White House correspondence, calls and meetings with Abramoff “absolutely” should be released.
