CA-50: Does Bilbray know Abramoff or doesn't he?

In CA-50, Democratic candidate Francine Busby is locked in a tight battle against Republican lobbyist Brian Bilbray. This special election is to replace the convicted felon and corrupt Republican congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham who is now serving time in a federal prison. It's no surprise that the subject of ethics has played a prominent role in this campaign and it seems that ethics is an area that Republican lobbyist Brian Bilbray is lacking. Yesterday, I diaried about just who Brian Bilbray is and wrote about some of his questionable dealings in the past.
More below.

In the above-mentioned diary I explained that Bilbray had taken part in a political junket to the Marianas Islands which was organized by another corrupt Republican, Jack Abramoff. Although he recalls the trip, Bilbray denied knowing Abramoff.

Bilbray took up the Marianas' cause with aplomb, although he has denied knowing Abramoff. "I assume I've run into him during the process," he said. "But when I see him on TV, it's not someone I recognize."

Not that's interesting, because, in this article he admits to knowing Abramoff.

Bilbray said he knew Abramoff through a surfing buddy, and that the relationship was "very tenuous."

So is this just a case of a failing memory? Or, is Bilbray lying? You'd think that if he took a trip arranged by Abramoff and indeed fought hard for Abramoff's interests, he'd have known Abramoff in some way. But, when questioned about Abramoff, he said he didn't know him.

It's no surprise that Bilbray wants to keep any connection to Abramoff quiet. The fact that he seems to be lying about any relationship with that crook is all the more reason for everyone to get behind Francine Busby and help her to victory on June 6th. The election is just eight days away and your help is needed.

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