Tim Russert on Meet the Press implied to Senator Schumer on January 8, 2006 (
video here) that Harry Reid had taken Abramoff money. Senator Schumer pointed out that was an incorrect statement of fact and noted that some Indian tribes did donate money to Senator Reid, but there was zero evidence that there was any quid pro quo.
Since bribery is a character issue, I submit this small but well known
story about Senator Reid when he was the Nevada State Gaming Commissioner from 1977-1981 into evidence:
In July of 1978, a man named Jack Gordon, who was later married to LaToya Jackson, offered Reid twelve thousand dollars to approve two new, carnival-like gaming devices for casino use. Reid reported the attempted bribe to the F.B.I. and arranged a meeting with Gordon in his office. By agreement, F.B.I. agents burst in to arrest Gordon at the point where Reid asked, "Is this the money?" Although he was taking part in a sting, Reid was unable to control his temper; the videotape shows him getting up from his chair and saying, "You son of a bitch, you tried to bribe me!" and attempting to choke Gordon, before startled agents pulled him off.
As Howard Dean reminded Wolf Blitzer yesterday, no Democrats took money from Casino Jack, no Democrats are under investigation. This is a GOP bribery scandal. When anyone mentions that Harry Reid in this, remind them of this story.