Richard Pombo: Dirty Money Merry-Go-Round

Today's Modesto Bee takes a look at the money being spent in California District 11.Click to enlarge.

But with just a little sleuthing, you can find out a great deal more information. For instance, Richard Pombo has a Political Action Committee called Rich PAC. Want to know who donates? Take a look at these $5,000 contributors:

OSAGE TRIBE
PAWHUSKA, OK

MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT TRIBAL NATION
MASHANTUCKET, CT

COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE
LONGVIEW, WA

Or perhaps you are more interested in who Rich PAC supports? Here are a few standouts:

Bachmann, Michele Marie (R-MN)
DeLay, Tom (R-TX)
Kelly, Sue (R-NY)
Weldon, Curt (R-PA)

So what is the pattern? Out-of-State Indian Tribes with casino interests contribute funds to Richard Pombo's PAC. Pombo's PAC turns around and contributes to Out-of-State Republican Members of Congress. This, of course, is the basic money for favors and campaign cash laundering scheme that Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty to and over which Tom Delay resigned. The scheme works particularly well when there is no oversight in Congress.