Ohio Republican Ney Forms Legal Fund - Yahoo! News

By DAVID HAMMER, Associated Press Writer


Rep. Bob Ney (news, bio, voting record) of Ohio, recently subpoenaed in an investigation of lobbyist Jack Abramoff, has created a legal defense fund.

Spokesman Brian Walsh said Tuesday, "He intends to fully defend himself against a litany of unfounded accusations against him."

Abramoff is under investigation for his activities on behalf of Indian tribes, and Ney has been asked to turn over related documents to the Justice Department. Ney, a Republican House member, has denied any wrongdoing and says he was duped into backing Abramoff's clients and into taking a golf trip paid for by Abramoff.

Ten other congressmen already have legal defense funds registered with the House.

Legal defense funds are registered with the House ethics committee as accounts not covered by the Federal Election Commission. There are separate rules governing donations, which cannot exceed $5,000 per person.