Thursday, May 25, 2006
Hastert lawyers: ABC report a 'known falsehood'


Hastert's lawyers accused ABC News of "libel and defamation."

Lawyers for House Speaker Dennis Hastert accused ABC News of "libel and defamation" after a report that he is being investigated in connection with the Jack Abramoff corruption probe.

The Illinois Republican's attorneys sent a letter to ABC News President David Westin and correspondents Brian Ross and George Stephanopolous about what it called the network's "continued repetition of a known falsehood." The correspondence threatened "any and all actions necessary to rectify the harm" done to Hastert's reputation. (Read the letter)

Earlier this week, the network -- citing "high-level official sources" -- claimed the FBI is investigating a letter Hastert wrote three years ago to then-Interior Secretary Gale Norton. The letter reportedly urged Norton to block an Indian casino that would have competed with casinos operated by tribes represented by Abramoff, a once high-powered lobbyist who has since plead guilty to conspiracy, fraud and tax invasion charges. (Full story)

Hastert's office has responded vociferously, and the Justice Department took the unusual step of denying the report.
Posted By Greg Botelho, CNN Washington Bureau: 5/25/2006 04:39:00 PM ET | Permalink
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