Rep. Hayworth to keep money from tribes

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Rep. J.D. Hayworth, R-Ariz., one of the top recipients of campaign gifts from Indian tribes has no intention of returning the money.

Hayworth's chief of staff, Joe Eule, told the Arizona Republic that the congressman has no reason to give any contributions back.

"The tribes have told us, 'We love you. We loved you before we met Jack Abramoff, we love you after Jack Abramoff, and we think it would be foolish of you to (give back) the money,' " Eule said.

Hayworth and Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., founded the Congressional Native American Caucus. Kennedy has also said he would not return any donations from tribes connected to Abramoff.

Abramoff, a Washington lobbyist, represented several Indian tribes lobbying to build or keep casinos. At least four congressional representatives have given up campaign contributions from tribes connected to him.