From Deseret News archives:
Reid stops in Utah during 'red state tour'
At Demo fund-raiser, he vows to clean up D.C.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., was joined by Utah's only Democratic member of Congress, Rep. Jim Matheson, at a press conference where several lobbyist reforms were proposed.
"I believe we have a message that sells all over the country," Reid said, calling for an end to what he described as a Republican "culture of corruption" in both Congress and the White House.
He said there should be a total ban on gift-giving by lobbyists, including trips, as well as more stringent reporting requirements and criminal sanctions rather than the "slap-your-hand penalties we have now" for violators.
"We believe there should be a bright light shining on lobbying" and on members of Congress, Reid said. "We're going to change things a lot." He also briefly mentioned health care for all Americans and national security as issues supported by Democrats.
It's a message the Senate leader is delivering this week in five so-called red states that backed President Bush in the last election Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho and Nebraska. Next month, a similar tour of Southern states is planned.
Although Reid received money from Native American tribes represented by Abramoff, the Senate leader said that not only has he never met the fallen lobbyist, "he's not given me a penny."
The contributions from Native American tribes, Reid said, were made to him because he is a member of the Senate's Indian affairs committee and has done more to help Nevada's tribes than any other member of that state's congressional delegation ever.
"I'm proud of that," Reid said, noting he has not returned the donations because hasn't done anything wrong.
Reid insisted Wednesday that only Republicans are enmeshed in the Abramoff scandal. "There is not a single Democrat that's involved," he said, dismissing reports that he, too, may be a target of the ongoing investigation.
Earlier Wednesday, Reid spoke at a luncheon fund-raiser for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee held at the Salt Lake Country Club. About 45 people attended the event, which was closed to the press.
Comments
- USU Press merges with library 11:20 a.m.
- GOP blasts Matheson after vote 11:19 a.m.
- Utah Jazz: Miles has cast removed 11:18 a.m.
- Ten Steps to a 30-minute garden 10:56 a.m.
- An electric toilet sparks interest 10:41 a.m.
- It's college app time 10:39 a.m.
- Woman halves her weight 10:37 a.m.
- Woods' lawsuit trial begins 10:36 a.m.
- Katt Williams jailed in Ga. burglary 10:34 a.m.
- All eyes on Swift at CMA awards 10:33 a.m.
- TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
- TCU showdown has big implications
- Seniors helped BYU regroup
- Hope for single moms
- Lambert surprisingly tops news
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated
- Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
- Teenager is critical after stabbing
- Water wars in Snake Valley
- Lambert crossed line by miles
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
230 - House passes health care bill
209 - Lobo suspended
175 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
153 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
130 - TCU showdown has big implications
118 - Provo company innovating engines
104 - Thousands protest health bill
103 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - Utes pound winless Lobos
89
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
NASA's Stardust probe continues to bring new knowledge about the nature...
So, Sean Penn and Danny Glover really consider this guy to be a hero? Tells...
You are obviously not a true Utah fan...let me guess you jumped aboard after...
Ann, you always make me laugh, but it's not too often you make me cry. Thank...
Big Green Tractor | 10:43 a.m Who was in office that divided our forces in a...
Way to go boys. Keep up the hard work. The result will be the same this...
hows that shoulder cam?
Stampede nothing. We are going to take you guys out this saturday and capture...
Great letter, Robert.
Hypocrisy - yes, and when the people of his town found out, they voted him...
you have been all year, "best team in 4a" "this is our year". ever since...



You can be the first to comment on this story.