Studio that scrubbed Abramoff/Bush photo

[cal04]

Studio that scrubbed Abramoff/Bush photo earned $140,000 from 2004 campaign
A photograpy studio which admitted to scrubbing at least one photograph of President George Bush and disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff was paid more that $140,000 by the Bush/Cheney campaign in 2004, RAW STORY has learned.

Reflections Photography president Joanne Amos told Joshua Micah Marshall of Talking Points Memo that a "business decision" led the company to remove a photograph taken in late 2003 that is believed to feature Bush and Abramoff together. According to Amos, the photograph is "not relevant." Another blog reported that Amos donated $2,000 to President Bush. The studio owner also gave $4,000 to the Republican National Committee in 2004. Steven Amos, vice president of Reflections, has contributed $2,000 to Bush and $4150 to the RNC. According to Political Money Line, each gave the RNC $750 on the same day last April.

A press release from July of 2003 shows that the photography studio was awarded a contract with the Bush/Cheney 2004 campaign. "We are, of course, extremely pleased about this contract," said Joanne Amos in the press release. "This is an incredible opportunity for our company." Two years ago, The Washington Post reported that the studio was paid over $140,000. This link which lists itemized disbursements from the campaign in 2004 shows that the studio was paid $28,520 for photography services on February 26, 2004.

On October 1, 2003 Congressman Tom Davis (Rep-VA) gave a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives in recognition of the "achievments" of Joanne Amos in her 25 years of work in photography (pdf link). Davis also noted her contract with Bush/Cheney 2004. "Joanne Amos now resides in the 11th district of Virginia; from this base she will be providing event photography for the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign," said Rep. Davis. "This contract was won on the sheer quality of Reflection's reputation and will grant them the opportunity to show they can coordinate nationwide media coverage. Reflections will make full use of their extensive network of photographers and web-based technology to keep pace with the aggressive schedule set by the President's campaign." A few weeks later, on October 31, Joanne Amos contributed $2,000 to the Bush/Cheney campaign.

(Update: Added more details to Amos' contributions, quote from press release and Rep. Davis paragraphs.)

http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Studio_that_scrubbed_photo_earned_140000_0126.html

[Lerkfish]

1. if its "not relevant", why scrub it?

if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about, right george? gee, you'll illegally monitor us but we're not allowed a little peekypoo at an irrelevant picture?

[TheCowsCameHome]

2. I wouldn't want to be seen with Bush, either.

Can blame Jackm-off for that, I guess.

[NatalieP]

3. First post!!!

Glad to have found this web site. I'm new to blogging and began at a conservative website. Which I recommend, it gives you crazy insight on how affective Bush's administration has brainwashed America. Brainwashing which I don't even think was done very well. It's all very sad really. I don't think this would've happened in a younger America. Our society is numb and dumb. Any who, this web site is a fresh of breath air.


:hi:

Back to business:

This is a press conference in which Bush discusses the Abramoff pix:

With so much speculation in Washington focusing this week on photographs of President Bush together with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, the President chose to address the issue at a news conference Thursday morning. Here are some excerpts, taken from a White House transcript...

Q What do you hear or your staff hear about releasing of photographs of Jack Abramoff with you, Mr. President? If you say you don't fear anything, tell us why you won't release them?

THE PRESIDENT: She's asking about a person who admitted to wrongdoing and who needs to be prosecuted for that. There is a serious investigation going on, as there should be. The American people have got to have confidence in the — in the ethics of all branches of government. You're asking about pictures — I had my picture taken with him, evidently. I've had my picture taken with a lot of people. Having my picture taken with someone doesn't mean that I'm a friend with them or know them very well. I've had my picture taken with you — (laughter)— at holiday parties. My point is, I mean, there's thousands of people that come through and get their pictures taken. I'm also mindful that we live in a world in which those pictures will be used for pure political purposes, and they're not relevant to the investigation.

Q Do you know how many?

THE PRESIDENT: I don't have any idea...

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1153346,00.html

*****

You know what really pisses me off?

"The American people have got to have confidence in the — in the ethics of all branches of government."

Are you f***ing kidding me? "Confidence"?!? That's the problem with this country, who ever trusts their government is a fool. Somehow the foundations of this country are now opposite. We've lost our eye on the government and now they're monitoring us!

:grr:

[Swede]

4. Welcome aboard N.

Hope you enjoy it here.

[NatalieP]

5. thank you!!!

[newyawker99]

6. Hi NatalieP!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: