Blunt: talk about nepotism!

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http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BLUNT_THE_DELAY_CONNECTION?SITE=GMADN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Blunt, DeLay Share Abramoff Connections

By LARRY MARGASAK
Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) -- Rep. Roy Blunt and the man he wants to succeed as House majority leader, Tom DeLay, shared similar connections to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and to corporate lobbyists.

Blunt, R-Mo., wrote at least three letters helpful to Abramoff clients while collecting money from them. He swapped donations between his and DeLay's political groups, ultimately enriching the Missouri political campaign of his son Matt.

And Blunt's wife and another son, Andrew, lobby for many of the same companies that donate to the lawmaker's political efforts.

With House Republicans worried about a budding corruption scandal tied to Abramoff's favors to lawmakers, DeLay, R-Texas, announced Saturday he would not try to regain his majority leader's post in upcoming party elections.

DeLay was forced to step down last year under party rules, after he was charged with Texas felonies in a state money laundering investigation. Blunt has temporarily filled the position and now is competing to be DeLay's permanent replacement.

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