Microsoft says right wing consultant is a swell geezer

THE SEATTLE TIMES reports that Microsoft pays a man called Ralph Reed $20,000 as a consultant, although the newspaper claims that he may have used his influence to reverse gay rights legislation.

And in one of those curious juxtapositions which happen in life, another wire, AOL News, claims that watchdogs in Texas have asked for an investigation into his role in closing tribal casinos.

Mr Reed is the former director of the Christian Coalition, and played a big role in the George W. Bush 2004 campaign, said The Seattle Times. Microsoft uses Reed to advise on trade and competition, said the paper - he still has close ties to the White House, it appears.

Now, according to AOL News, three ginger groups have asked the Travis County Attorney to investigate whether Mr Reed failed to register as a lobbyist four years ago.

This report said that the ginger groups allege that Mr Reed got $4.2 million to close down two casinos owned by native American tribes.

But a rep for Mr Reed said the claims were without foundation, and besides, the County Attorney points out that a two year statute of limitations on misdemeanours applies in any case.

The ginger groups claim that Mr Reed was hired by lobbyist Jack Abramoff and a man called Michael Scanlon. The last man pleaded guilty last week to conspiracy to bribe public officials and will have to pay $19 million to native Americans because of his confession. µ

L'INQS
AOL News