The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission has hired Jack Abramoff to teach an ethics class to state legislators. Howard Marlowe, president of the American League of Lobbyists, calls this decision “disgusting,” saying in a statement, “How in the world do people think this man has any credentials to teach ethics to lawmakers? Not only does he not know a thing about ethics, he has never apologized or accepted responsibility for the crimes that sent him to jail.”
Abramoff, who will earn $5,000 for the gig, says, “I have not only reduced my speaking for this event, but like all income I earn, it will enable Online Pokies the victims of my case to receive restitution payments.”
Abramoff took issue with Marlowe’s statements, saying “Does Mr. Marlowe find that objectionable? Or is he just acting as the lobbyist for the lobbyists in trying to silence the messenger?”
According to Politico, Abramoff continued, “It must be particularly galling to him to have someone with my experience and knowledge of the tricks of their trade spilling them in my book and in speeches. Undoubtedly he is petrified that I am addressing the state Legislature in Kentucky, as they have been most effective in reducing lobbyist corruption and political foul play.”
Tags: American League of Lobbyists, howard marlowe, Jack Abramoff, lobbying ethics
