More questions about DeLay’s Russia trip (commingling expenses)

[jefferson_dem]

More questions about DeLay’s Russia trip:
DeLay’s aide’s expenses commingled with lobbyist’s

By Lisa Myers & the NBC Investigative Unit

Updated: 7:25 p.m. ET April 28, 2005

WASHINGTON -

In August 1997, then-House Majority Whip Tom DeLay, R-Texas, and his friend lobbyist Jack Abramoff were at the Moscow Country Club — the most exclusive golf course in Russia. Hotel records obtained by NBC News show DeLay stayed two nights, in room 229, with Abramoff next door.

The cost of DeLay's room, with all the amenities, was $295 a night. On the bill, charges for DeLay and his chief of staff are mixed with Abramoff's — room charges, sports pool bar, mini bar and phone, for a total of $3,302.50

A document obtained by NBC News shows DeLay was informed soon after the trip, by the non-profit National Center for Public Policy, that it paid the bill — which is allowed under House rules. But NBC News has learned the expenses were, in fact, put on the credit card of a lobbyist and a Russian businessman.

A source close to the case says $885 was charged to Abramoff’s credit card, and records indicate the rest was put on the credit card of Alexander Koulakovsky, general manager of a Russian oil and gas company called NAFTASib.

“The true bottom ethical issue,” says Jim Cole, a former House Ethics Committee outside counsel, “is whether or not there was some sort of influencing of Mr. DeLay that was being done by this money or not.”

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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7670799/

[tmooses]

1. WTF! Tab paid by foreign agent? I know THAT's illegal!