Focus on the finances

Politics: Ralph Reed may face criminal investigation; released e-mail raises questions about Abramoff and family group | Jamie Dean

Read more about this topic from Marvin Olasky in a web-extra column on what this Abramoff/Reed scandal is all about.

Ralph Reed didn't mention Jack Abramoff in his opening remarks to the Dawson County Republican Party in rural Dawsonville, Ga. But Guy Pichon had a tough question for the lobbyist and former head of the Christian Coalition: "Did you accept any gifts, commissions or other payments of any kind from Mr. Abramoff, and are you likely to be a party in the unfolding investigation?"

Mr. Reed responded to the question he vigorously avoids: "No . . . no to all of these." Mr. Reed's answer is puzzling considering his consulting work for Mr. Abramoff and his cooperation with federal officials in the ongoing investigation into Mr. Abramoff's fraudulent lobbying activities.