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July 12, 2006
The Trouble With Ralph
We have returned after a lengthy hiatus due to technical problems and overwork.
Ralph Reed has long been a bright star in the right-wing political firmament. With boyish good looks, a telegenic persona and impeccable religious conservative credentials, the former head of the Christian Coalition and College Republican activist has been a go-to media personality for the right for years.
Well, now Ralph wants to be Lt. Governor of Georgia, and it seems this extrovertedly pious man, like his good friend, the ever-moralizing Congressman from the 22nd District of Texas, may not actually live up to the ethical standard a good Christian man is supposed to.
Like Tom DeLay, Ralph Reed was very close to former Washington super-lobbyist and now convicted felon Jack Abramoff. And like Tom, Brother Ralph is denying any stain from his fallen friend Abramoff, despite a lot to suggest otherwise. Reed is in a tight race to become Georgia's GOP Lt. Guv nominee, and "Typhoid Jack" is cramping his style.
As a story in Wednesday's Washington Post details, The Livingston, Texas-based Alabama-Coushatta Indian tribe is alleging that Reed and his associated defrauded it, the people of Texas and our Legislature of millions of dollars. Ouch.
The timing of the suit could not be worse for Reed, who polls show is deadlocked with his opponent, State Senator Casey Cagle for the nomination. The election is a mere 10 days away.
For his part, Reed denies any wrongdoing, alleging instead that a media witch hunt is underway to assassinate his character. Hmm... where have we heard that before. We will watch this primary with interest.
Georgia Democrats should be hoping for a Reed victory. Running against a poster boy for Republican corruption could prove very useful to Democratic candidates across the state.
Posted by houtopia at July 12, 2006 11:07 PM