Visit the Florida Democratic Party's comprehensive Feeney website at http://www.feeneysfullofit.com.
Mark Matthews of the Orlando Sentinel's Washington Bureau just filed the following:
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney established a legal defense fund this week to defray costs relating to an ongoing federal inquiry into his ties with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Department of Justice lawyers and our lawyers have been speaking. We will cooperate," said the Oviedo Republican, who denied Friday that he is the target of a federal probe.
When asked why he established the fund, Feeney said he was being cautious and that it would be used to "demonstrate conclusively that I always have acted with honesty and integrity."
Federal investigators called three Florida newspapers earlier this year -- including the Orlando Sentinel -- asking for more information about 2003 golfing trip to Scotland Feeney took with Abramoff.
Abramoff funded the trip through a secret slush fund worth millions, even though lobbyists are forbidden from paying for congressional travel. Abramoff pleaded guilty last year to bribing public officials.
Feeney said he did not know Abramoff paid for the trip and since has given $5,643 to the U.S. treasury to repay what he says was his share.
Legal expenses have mounted for Feeney in recent months. He paid the Washington-based firm Patton Boggs a combined $23,121 for "legal services" in February and March, according to election records.
To establish a legal defense fund, Feeney had to get permission from the House ethics committee. Under congressional rules, Feeney’s legal defense fund cannot accept more than $5,000 from one source in a year.
Lobbyists also are prohibited from donating.
From Political Money Line:
Rep. Tom Feeney has established the Tom Feeney Legal Expense Trust. Trust documents were filed with the House of Representatives stating Rep. Feeney "has incurred legal expenses in connection with his official duties and position in Congress, and matters bearing on his reputation or fitness for office." (http://www.politicalmoneyline.com/)
Background:
• Representative Feeney is currently part of an investigation by the FBI for his involvement with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
• Feeney accompanied Abramoff on a 2003 trip to Scotland that included rounds of golf at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews.
• Feeney later paid back $5,643 to cover what he claimed the trip cost but records released by the Department of Justice in April, 2007 revealed the price tag to be nearly four times that amount.
• It has also been reported that Feeney sent a letter on behalf of an Abramoff client five months before the Scotland trip.
Source: Gannett News Service, 5/16/07; Orlando Sentinel 4/27/07; St. Petersburg Times, 4/29/07