Feeney sets up legal defense fund

Orlando Sentinel Political Pulse Blog

June 22, 2007 

Mark Matthews of the Sentinel's Washington Bureau just filed the following:

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney established a legal defense fund this week to defray costs relating to an ongoing federal inquiry into his ties with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Department of Justice lawyers and our lawyers have been speaking. We will cooperate," said the Oviedo Republican, who denied Friday that he is the target of a federal probe.

When asked why he established the fund, Feeney said he was being cautious and that it would be used to "demonstrate conclusively that I always have acted with honesty and integrity."

Federal investigators called three Florida newspapers earlier this year -- including the Orlando Sentinel -- asking for more information about 2003 golfing trip to Scotland Feeney took with Abramoff.

Abramoff funded the trip through a secret slush fund worth millions, even though lobbyists are forbidden from paying for congressional travel. Abramoff pleaded guilty last year to bribing public officials.

Feeney said he did not know Abramoff paid for the trip and since has given $5,643 to the U.S. treasury to repay what he says was his share.

Legal expenses have mounted for Feeney in recent months. He paid the Washington-based firm Patton Boggs a combined $23,121 for "legal services" in February and March, according to election records.

To establish a legal defense fund, Feeney had to get permission from the House ethics committee. Under congressional rules, Feeney's legal defense fund cannot accept more than $5,000 from one source in a year.

Lobbyists also are prohibited from donating.

Read the documents here.

Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog

June 22, 2007 

Political Money Line reports that Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, whose trip to Scotland in 2003 with superlobbyist Jack Abramoff has raised the interest of the FBI, has etablished the Tom Feeney Legal Expense Trust.

The site reports that documents were filed with the House of Representatives, stating that the Oviedo Republican "has incurred legal expenses in connection with his official duties and position in Congress, and matters bearing on his reputation or fitness for office."

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee suggests the move is "the newest Republican trend," noting that Rep. Phil English, R-Pa., last week established a legal expense fund.

Feeney, who has said he's "voluntarily cooperating" with the FBI, in April reported spending $23,121 for legal services with DC-based Patton Boggs.