House Records Sought in Abramoff Case

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House Records Sought in Abramoff Case
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Oct 26, 2:33 PM (ET)

By ERICA WERNER

WASHINGTON (AP) - A federal grand jury investigating California GOP Rep. John Doolittle's ties to jailed lobbyist Jack Abramoff has subpoenaed the House official responsible for maintaining lawmakers' old e-mails and other records.

The subpoena from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia went to the House's chief administrative officer, Daniel P. Beard. He disclosed it in a notice read on the House floor Thursday evening, in accordance with House rules.

The notice that was read to lawmakers said only that Beard had been subpoenaed for unspecified documents and would determine his response consistent with House rules.

An official with knowledge of the situation said the subpoena pertained to the Doolittle investigation. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.

Doolittle's attorney did not respond to a call for comment Thursday night, and a Justice Department spokesman did not reply to an e-mail.

The subpoena is the latest sign of activity by the grand jury investigating Doolittle's involvement with Abramoff, whom Doolittle considered a good friend. Doolittle helped Abramoff's clients, and Abramoff donated campaign money to the nine-term conservative and employed his wife.

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