Former GOP Rep Has Spent $170K on DefenseFrom NBC’s Phoenix affiliate:
Former Republican Congressman J.D. Hayworth is confirming for 12 News that he is cooperating with a federal investigation involving former lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Hayworth’s new campaign finance report shows almost $170,000 in payments to a Washington law firm since his defeat last November by Democrat Harry Mitchell. Hayworth says the bills are connected to a Department of Justice request for 12 years worth of documents covering his legislative work with the Congressional Native American Caucus.
Hayworth said today, “I wanted to accommodate the request as soon as possible because I thought it was important to clear up questions. I’ve done nothing wrong, and I don’t expect there to be any further action.”
National Journal reported in April that prosecutors were making “new” inquiries into Hayworth’s relationship with Jack Abramoff. Ex-Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT), who joined Hayworth in early retirement, has also been spending loads of old campaign dollars on his defense.
