Former aide could become liability for Rep. John Doolittle

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Former aide could become liability for Rep. John Doolittle
By ERICA WERNER
Associated Press Writer
Article Launched: 05/04/2007 10:35:41 AM PDT


WASHINGTON- Kevin Ring was Rep. John Doolittle's top Washington aide, as well as a friend and ideological soul mate. Now he is a key link between Doolittle and jailed GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff in a sprawling congressional corruption investigation.

Ring, Doolittle's one-time legislative director, quit his lobbying job last month, the same day FBI agents raided Doolittle's Virginia home. They had a search warrant for a fundraising business run there by Doolittle's wife, Julie, that had done work for Abramoff's firm.

Ring had acted as a go-between when Doolittle wanted Abramoff, who's cooperating with the government, to find work for Mrs. Doolittle.
Doolittle, a conservative from Rocklin in Northern California, said Thursday he understands his wife's work might be under scrutiny.

"That's the issue, apparently, that Julie didn't do any real work ... their theory seems to be that she's a conduit," Doolittle told reporters. "And there's clear evidence that disproves that."












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