WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- A lobbyist indicted for fraud and conspiracy claimed he could reach White House adviser Karl Rove regarding a tax legislation and federal contracts.
Jack Abramoff, who is a the target of a federal investigation based on his dealings with American Indian tribes, told Tyco International Ltd. he could help on a tax issue because of his high-profile contacts in the Republican Party.
The boasts came out in a statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee by former Tyco General Counsel Timothy Flanigan, who was being vetted for a deputy attorney general's position, The Washington Post reported.
Flanigan said Abramoff two years ago said he could help Tyco because he "had good relationships with members of Congress," including House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas. He also used Rove's name when boasting of White House access
The White House told the Post Rove did not recall being contacted by Abramoff regarding Tyco.
Abramoff was indicted last month on wire fraud and conspiracy charges. A Justice Department task force, which includes investigations from the Internal Revenue Service and the General Services Administration, continues to look into Abramoff's dealings.
