Bob Ney
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 18th district
In office 1995–2006
Preceded by	Doug Applegate
Succeeded by	Zack Space
Born	5 July 1954 (1954-07-05) (age 53) Wheeling, West Virginia
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Liz Ney
Religion	Roman Catholic

Robert William "Bob" Ney (born July 5, 1954) was an American politician from the U.S. state of Ohio. The United States House of Representatives is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress; the other is the Senate. Ohio ( is a Midwestern state of the United States. As part of the Great Lakes region, Ohio has long been a cultural and geographical crossroads The 18th congressional district of Ohio is currently represented by Democrat Zack Space. Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Douglas "Doug" Applegate (born March 27, 1928) is a former member of the United States House of Representatives from Ohio. Zachary T "Zack" Space (b January 27, 1961) of Dover Ohio, is an American politician of the Democratic Party and presently serves Events 1295 - Scotland and France form an alliance the beginnings of the Auld Alliance, against England. Year 1954 ( MCMLIV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1954 Gregorian calendar) Wheeling is a city in West Virginia, in the United States. Most of the city is in Ohio County, with a small Events 1295 - Scotland and France form an alliance the beginnings of the Auld Alliance, against England. Year 1954 ( MCMLIV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1954 Gregorian calendar) Politics of the United States takes place in the framework of a presidential, Federal republic where the President of the United States (the Head of A US state is any one of the fifty subnational entities of the United States of America that share Sovereignty with the federal government Ohio ( is a Midwestern state of the United States. As part of the Great Lakes region, Ohio has long been a cultural and geographical crossroads A Republican, Ney represented Ohio's 18th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 until November 3, 2006, when he resigned. The 18th congressional district of Ohio is currently represented by Democrat Zack Space. The United States House of Representatives is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress; the other is the Senate. Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 Events 644 - Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Muslim Caliph, is killed by a Persian slave in Medina. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Ney's resignation followed his guilty plea to charges of conspiracy and making false statements in relation to the Jack Abramoff Indian lobbying scandal. The Jack Abramoff Indian lobbying scandal is a United States political scandal relating to the work performed by political lobbyists Jack Abramoff,

Ney's best known Congressional work was on the election reform efforts founded in the wake of the confused 2000 voting in Florida, and his support and backing for the "Stand Up For Steel" crusade and resulting laws. From 2001 to 2006, Ney was Chairman of the House Administration Committee. The United States House Committee on House Administration deals with the general administration matters of the United States House of Representatives. As chair of that committee, he oversaw operations in the Capitol complex and was sometimes known as the "Mayor of Capitol Hill". Capitol Hill, aside from being a Metonym for the United States Congress, is the largest historic residential Neighborhood in Washington D Ney also gained notoriety when he mandated, as Chairman of the House Administration Committee, that "french fries" be renamed "freedom fries" on House of Representatives food service menus, to indicate displeasure with France's lack of support for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Freedom fries was an alternate name used for French fries by some in the United States as a result of Anti-French sentiment in the United States The 2003 invasion of Iraq, from March 20 to May 1 2003 was spearheaded by the United States, backed by British forces and smaller contingents from Australia

Before his own guilty plea, Ney was identified in the guilty pleas of Jack Abramoff, former Tom DeLay deputy chief of staff Tony Rudy, former DeLay press secretary Michael Scanlon and former Ney chief of staff Neil Volz for receiving lavish gifts in exchange for political favors. Jack Abramoff (born February 28 1959 is a former Lobbyist, and a businessman who was a central figure in a series of high-profile political scandals. Thomas Dale DeLay (born April 8 1947 is a former member of the United States House of Representatives from Sugar Land, Texas. Tony Charles Rudy (born May 3, 1966) an American Lobbyist and an associate of Jack Abramoff. Michael Scanlon is a former communications director for Rep Tom DeLay, Lobbyist, and Public relations executive who has plead guilty to corruption charges Neil Volz was Chief of Staff to Representative Bob Ney (R-Ohio staff director of the House Administration Committee and later part of Team Abramoff, when he left

On May 18, 2006, the House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into bribery allegations against Ney, and on 7 August 2006, Ney announced that he was withdrawing from the 2006 election race. Events 1152 - Henry II of England marries Eleanor of Aquitaine. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, often known simply as the Ethics Committee, is one of the committees of the United States House of Representatives Events 322 BC - Battle of Crannon between Athens and Macedon following the death of Alexander the Great. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.

On September 15, 2006, the Justice Department filed Ney's guilty pleas to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to a charge of falsifying financial disclosure forms. Events 668 - Eastern Roman Emperor Constans II is assassinated in his bath at Syracuse Italy. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Both charges are related to actions taken on behalf of Abramoff's clients in exchange for bribes, as well as separate actions taken on behalf of a foreign businessman in exchange for over $50,000 in gambling sprees at foreign private casinos. ^[1] Ney is the first member of Congress to admit to criminal charges in the Abramoff investigation, which has focused on the actions of several current and former Republican lawmakers who had been close to the former lobbyist. ^[2] Ney resigned from the House of Representatives on November 3, 2006. The United States House of Representatives is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress; the other is the Senate. Events 644 - Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Muslim Caliph, is killed by a Persian slave in Medina. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[3] He was sentenced to thirty months in prison. ^[4]

Early years and family

Ney was born in Wheeling, West Virginia. The Jack Abramoff Indian lobbying scandal is a United States political scandal relating to the work performed by political lobbyists Jack Abramoff, The Jack Abramoff Guam investigation involves an alleged plot by lobbyist Jack Abramoff and others to control the functions of the courts in Guam. The Jack Abramoff CNMI scandal involves the efforts of Jack Abramoff, other lobbyists, and government officials to change or prevent or both Congressional action The Internet Gambling Prohibition Act (IGPA was a 1999 bill in the US Senate to ban Internet gambling The monetary influence of Jack Abramoff ran deep in Washington as Jack Abramoff spent millions of dollars to influence and entertain Republican politicians SunCruz Casinos is one of many cruise lines that offer "cruises to nowhere" legally transporting passengers into International waters beyond the reach of Jack Abramoff (born February 28 1959 is a former Lobbyist, and a businessman who was a central figure in a series of high-profile political scandals. John Albaugh is a former Republican Congressional staffer who was the fourteenth person found guilty in the Jack Abramoff scandals. Robert Jared Carpenter was the vice president of the Council of Republicans for Environmental Advocacy beginning in 2000 Robert E Coughlin, II is an American Lawyer and was formerly the Deputy Chief of Staff Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice. Italia Federici (born August 12, 1969) the former president of the Council of Republicans for Environmental Advocacy (CREA James Steven "Steve" Griles (born December 13, 1947) was a Coal lobbyist and the Deputy Secretary for the U William Heaton (born 1979 is the former chief of staff for former Rep Adam Kidan is a former business associate of convicted Lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who partnered with Abramoff in the purchase of SunCruz Casinos. Tony Charles Rudy (born May 3, 1966) an American Lobbyist and an associate of Jack Abramoff. Michael Scanlon is a former communications director for Rep Tom DeLay, Lobbyist, and Public relations executive who has plead guilty to corruption charges Roger G Stillwell (born October 13, 1939) an American Lobbyist. Neil Volz was Chief of Staff to Representative Bob Ney (R-Ohio staff director of the House Administration Committee and later part of Team Abramoff, when he left Mark Zachares is a former Congressional aide to Rep Don Young (R-AK and lobbyist who pleaded guilty to accepting tens of thousands of dollars in gifts from lobbyist David Hossein Safavian (born August 4, 1967) is a former chief of staff of the United States General Services Administration (GSA and a figure in Edwin A Buckham is a former congressional staffer and lobbyist who presently is under investigation in various scandals surrounding high-profile lobbyist Jack Abramoff Thomas Dale DeLay (born April 8 1947 is a former member of the United States House of Representatives from Sugar Land, Texas. Thomas Charles "Tom" Feeney III usually known as Tom Feeney (born May 21 1958) is a Republican politician from the state of Ernest James Istook Jr (born February 11 1950, in Fort Worth Texas) was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives Kevin A Ring was a Lobbyist and Republican Congressional staffer "Team Abramoff" is the team of lobbyists assembled by Jack Abramoff when he worked at Greenberg Traurig, primarily of former aides to prominent Congressional Konstantinos "Gus" Boulis ( 1949 - February 6 2001) was a land-developer casino operator and restaurant owner of Greek descent who was murdered Grover Glenn Norquist (born October 19, 1956) is president of anti- Tax Lobbying group Americans for Tax Reform. Susan Bonzon Ralston (born October 15 1967) is the President of SBR Enterprises LLC a government affairs public relations and business consulting firm in Ralph Eugene Reed Jr, (born June 24, 1961) is a conservative American political activist best known as the first executive director of Rev Louis P "Lou" Sheldon (born 1934 in Washington DC Robert Warren "Bob" Schaffer (born July 24, 1962) was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from the Jack Abramoff 's career brought him into contact with numerous organizations including lobbying firms restaurants Think tanks and charitable organizations Several Native American tribes were defrauded by Lobbyist Jack Abramoff in his namesake Indian lobbying scandal. The following is a list of trips for politicians lobbyists and staffers funded by Jack Abramoff. 1980s 1981 - Elected Chairman of the College Republican National Committee in a campaign managed by Grover Norquist, the executive director of the Wheeling is a city in West Virginia, in the United States. Most of the city is in Ohio County, with a small The son of a TV cameraman for WTRF-TV, Ney grew up in Bellaire, Ohio, an aging industrial town across the Ohio River from Wheeling. WTRF-TV, channel 7 is the CBS -affiliated Television station for Wheeling West Virginia and Steubenville Ohio. Bellaire is a village in Belmont County, Ohio, United States. The Ohio River is the largest Tributary by volume of the Mississippi River. He graduated in 1972 from St. John's High School in Bellaire. He attended Ohio State University's branch campus in Belmont County before transferring to OSU's main campus in Columbus. The Ohio State University ( OSU) is a Coeducational public Research university in the state of Ohio. Belmont County is a County located in the state of Ohio. It is part of the Wheeling West Virginia Metropolitan Statistical Area. COLUMBUS is a Computational chemistry software suite for calculating ab initio molecular electronic structures designed as a collection of individual programs communicating He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio State University in 1976. A Bachelor of Science ( BS, BSc or BSc in the UK; less commonly S A degree is any of a wide range of status levels conferred by institutions of Higher education, such as universities, normally as the result of successfully completing The Ohio State University ( OSU) is a Coeducational public Research university in the state of Ohio. After college, he worked at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, taught English in Iran, served as Bellaire safety director, and worked as the health and education program manager of the Ohio Office of Appalachia. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iran topics.

He has two children from a previous marriage, and no children with his second wife, Elizabeth.

Political career — Ohio legislature

Family name: Ney is the french translation of the German name Neue. In 1980, at the age of 26, Ney defeated state Representative Wayne Hays, a former U. Wayne Levere Hays ( May 13, 1911, Bannock Ohio – February 13, 1989, Flushing Ohio) was an American politician S. representative who had resigned from Congress in 1976 after a sex scandal. A sex scandal is a Scandal involving allegations or information about Embarrassing Sexual activities, such as Adultery, being made public Ney served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1981 to 1983. The Ohio House of Representatives is the Lower house of the Ohio General Assembly, the state legislature of the U He was defeated in his reelection bid in November 1982.

After his defeat, Ney managed a home security company in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA ( المملكة العربية السعودية, al-Mamlaka al-ʻArabiyya as-Suʻūdiyya) or Suudi He was appointed to the Ohio Senate in 1984 to replace former state senator Sam Speck, who resigned the 20th District seat to accept a presidential appointment. Ney won the seat in November 1984 and then re-election in 1988 and 1992.

Congressional career

In November 1994, Ney won the Republican nomination for the 18th District after nine-term incumbent Democrat Douglas Applegate announced his retirement. The Democratic Party is one of two major Political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. Douglas "Doug" Applegate (born March 27, 1928) is a former member of the United States House of Representatives from Ohio. The 18th had a considerable Democratic lean, but Ney scored a considerable upset, defeating Democrat Greg DiDonato with 53% of the vote. Gregory L DiDonato of Dennison Ohio, is an American politician of the Democratic party. In 1996, he was re-elected with 50% of the vote against Democrat Robert Burch. Robert L Burch Jr is an American politician of the Democratic party. In 1998, he again defeated Burch, this time with 60% of the vote. He won in 2000 and 2004 with more than 65% of the vote, and was unopposed in 2002.

Ney's voting record is considerably more moderate than has become typical of Republicans elected in 1994. He did not earn a rating in the 90s from the American Conservative Union until 2004. The American Conservative Union ( ACU) is an American political organization advocating conservative policies. Democrats credit him with bucking his party's leaders and standing his ground on issues important to his mostly blue-collar district, such as championing the needs of the beleaguered steel industry. In 1999 he was a prominent part of the "Stand Up for Steel" campaign, which united the steel industry and steel unions in a fight against low-priced imports. In 2000, he was one of a handful of Republicans who backed an effort to block permanent normal trade status for China, a position that put Ney at odds with party leaders. In 2001, Ney was one of three Republicans to vote against the USA Patriot Act (the other two were Butch Otter of Idaho and Ron Paul of Texas). The USA PATRIOT Act, commonly known as the Patriot Act, is a controversial Act of Congress that U Clement Leroy "Butch" Otter (born May 3, 1942, Caldwell Idaho) has been Governor of Idaho since January 2007 The State of Idaho ( is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States of America. Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. In 2005 he voted against President Bush's Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and against Republican budget cuts to Medicaid and after-school programs. George Walker Bush ( born July 6 1946 is the forty-third and current President of the United States. Medicaid is the United States health program for eligible individuals and families with low incomes and resources

In 2003, Ney led the effort, along with fellow Republican Congressman Walter B. Jones, to change the name of "french fries" and "French toast" to "freedom fries" and "freedom toast". Walter Beaman Jones Jr (born February 10, 1943, in Farmville North Carolina) is an American Politician; a Republican French fries ( North American English; sometimes not capitalized chips ( British English) fries or French-fried potatoes (formal French toast (often known as eggy bread in most of the UK - the exception being Scotland and Northern Ireland pain perdu in French pain doré in French-speaking Freedom fries was an alternate name used for French fries by some in the United States as a result of Anti-French sentiment in the United States His committee had authority over House cafeterias. Ney said at a press conference that "this action today is a small, but symbolic effort to show the strong displeasure of many on Capitol Hill with the actions of our so-called ally, France. A news conference or press conference is a Media event in which newsmakers invite journalists to hear them speak and most often ask questions Capitol Hill, aside from being a Metonym for the United States Congress, is the largest historic residential Neighborhood in Washington D This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. "^[5] In July 2006, after Ney had left the committee, the names were changed back; Ney had no comment. ^[6] In late 2005 and early 2006, allegations that Ney played a key role in the Abramoff lobbying scandal were widely reported. The Jack Abramoff Indian lobbying scandal is a United States political scandal relating to the work performed by political lobbyists Jack Abramoff, (See below. Robert William "Freedom Bob" Ney (born July 5 1954) is an American politician from the U )

On 15 January 2006, Ney resigned as chairman of the House Administration Committee. Events 588 BC - Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylon lays siege to Jerusalem under Zedekiah 's reign Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. He maintained that he had done nothing wrong, but had been under increasing pressure to stand down since his ties to Abramoff were an increasing embarrassment in light of Republican plans for reforms of lobbying and campaign finance rules. The House Administration Committee has jurisdiction over elections and lobbyists. House Speaker Dennis Hastert reportedly emailed a Roll Call article regarding Ney's precarious hold on the gavel to several Capitol beat reporters. The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives is the presiding officer&mdashor speaker &mdashof the United States House of Representatives. See also Illinois's 14th congressional district special election 2008 John Dennis "Denny" Hastert (born January 2, 1942) is an Roll call is the calling of the names of people from a list ( Roll) to determine the presence or absence of the listed people (also known as a register in countries such as the Ney's resignation was officially temporary. However, even some of his Republican colleagues expected him to be indicted. Under Republican caucus rules, he would have permanently lost his chairmanship if indicted.

On 29 June 2006, three of Ney's staffers resigned: Brian Walsh, a longtime Ney spokesman; Will Heaton, Ney’s chief of staff; and Chris Otillio, a senior legislative aide. Events 512 - A Solar eclipse is recorded by a monastic chronicler in Ireland. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. In a statement, Ney said that Congressional staff turnover is high, and that all three departing staff members had worked for him longer than many others stay in similar jobs. ^[7]

2006 re-election campaign

On 26 January 2006, Ney announced his candidacy for re-election to the House. Events 1340 - King Edward III of England is declared King of France. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[8]

Republican primary

On 2 May 2006, Ney defeated Republican James Brodbelt Harris, a financial analyst from Zanesville, Ohio, in the primary. Events 1194 - King Richard I of England gives Portsmouth its first Royal Charter. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Zanesville is a city in and the County seat of Muskingum County, Ohio, United States. Harris did not campaign, and collected less than $5,000 in campaign contributions. Ney won 68 percent to 32 percent. On the day of the election, Greg Giroux of Congressional Quarterly noted: "I'd be surprised if Harris got more than 20 or 25 percent. Congressional Quarterly Inc, or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress That would be a sign that there is a chunk of the Republican base that's disenchanted with the incumbent. "^[9]

Commenting on his situation after the primary, Ney said "I have a healthy campaign account, in contrast to the Democratic Party, which is deeply divided and has a candidate with almost no campaign cash. "^[10]

Legal fees

A filing with Federal Election Commission in October said that Ney had paid the law firm Vinson & Elkins $136,000 from July through September, from campaign funds. The Federal Election Commission (or FEC) is an independent regulatory agency that was founded in 1975 by the United States Congress to regulate the Vinson & Elkins LLP (or V&E) is an international Law firm with offices in 13 major energy financial and political centers worldwide including Houston ^[11][12] By early January 2006, the total legal expenses paid by Ney's political campaign committee had risen to $232,381. ^[13] For the January to March 2006 reporting period, Ney paid an additional $96,000 in legal fees from campaign funds to that law firm; total campaign spending for the period was $250,000. ^[14][15] The legal fees are related to an ongoing federal investigation (see below. Robert William "Freedom Bob" Ney (born July 5 1954) is an American politician from the U )

Brian Walsh, spokesman for Ney, said in April 2006: "Frankly, it's an unfortunate commentary on the justice system that someone has to spend a lot of money simply to clear their name and set the record straight in what is in this case completely false allegations. " He also said that "the congressman is doing everything possible and moving as quickly as possible to put these allegations to rest and clear his name. "^[16]

In an Federal Elections Commission filing showing expenses through the end of June 2006, Ney reported that he had not paid any legal fees since January 5 from campaign funds. The Federal Election Commission (or FEC) is an independent regulatory agency that was founded in 1975 by the United States Congress to regulate the Events 1477 - Battle of Nancy: Charles the Bold is killed and Burgundy becomes part of France. Mark Tuohey, the lead lawyer at Vinson & Elkins, said Ney "needs money for his campaign and that's a priority right now. He intends to pay. He'll pay his fees, I have no doubt about that. "^[13]

In November 2005, it was reported that Ney had set up a legal defense fund for himself in connection with the Abramoff case. Documents filed in the House in January 2006 showed that the Ethics Committee had approved the organization papers for the fund. The fund raised $40,000 between January and March 2006, and nothing between April and June 2006. As of June 30, 2006, the fund had not yet spent any money for Ney's legal expenses. Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, is defeated and killed by troops of the Usurper Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[17][18] Ney's withdrawal from the race (see below) means that can use his remaining campaign funds (almost half a million dollars) for his legal defense. ^[19]

General election

Ney's opponent in the November general election was to be Zack Space, a Dover, Ohio lawyer and hotel developer, who won the Democratic primary with 39% of the vote. Zachary T "Zack" Space (b January 27, 1961) of Dover Ohio, is an American politician of the Democratic Party and presently serves Dover is a city in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, United States. The population was 12210 at the 2000 census. As of July 2006, Space was considered to be slightly ahead of Ney, with a large percentage of undecided voters.

For the first three months of 2006, Ney blamed legal costs for causing his re-election campaign to spend more than it raised. For the April–June period, it was unusually intense campaigning in his rural district that caused the six-term incumbent to spend $52,675 more than donors gave him in the last three months, he said. ^[13]

Withdrawal from race and guilty plea

On 7 August 2006, state senator Joy Padgett announced that Ney was withdrawing his candidacy in the 2006 election, and that Ney and House Majority Leader John Boehner had asked her to run in his place. Events 322 BC - Battle of Crannon between Athens and Macedon following the death of Alexander the Great. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Joy Padgett (born 1947, Coshocton Ohio) is a Republican member of the Ohio Senate, representing the 20th district. Party leaders of the United States House of Representatives are elected by their respective parties in a closed-door (private Caucus. John Andrew Boehner ˈbeɪnɚ born November 17, 1949, is an American politician of the Republican Party who is currently serving as the ^[20]

On the same date, in an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Ney said he would not step down before his term expires, but will not seek re-election in November 2006. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, also known as "the Trib" is the second largest daily Newspaper serving metropolitan Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania About his future plans, Ney said "I have some options in the nongovernment sector. "^[21] The Washington Post reported that Boehner met with Ney in early August "to urge him to step aside, reminding him that with a son in college and a daughter nearing college age, he will need money. The Washington Post is the largest and most circulated Newspaper in Washington D . . . If he lost his House seat for the party, Boehner is said to have cautioned, Ney could not expect a lucrative career on K Street to pay those tuition bills, along with the hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees piling up. "^[22]

On 14 August 2006, Ney officially withdrew from the race. Events 1183 - Taira no Munemori and the Taira clan take the young Emperor Antoku and the three sacred treasures Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[23] Because that occurred before 19 August (80 or more days before the election), Ohio Revised Code 3513. Events 43 BC - Octavian, later known as Augustus compels the Roman Senate to elect him Consul. 312 applied: "the vacancy in the party nomination so created shall be filled by a special election". If Ney had waited until 20 August, section 3513. Events 636 - Battle of Yarmouk: Arab forces led by Khalid ibn al-Walid take control of Syria and Palestine 31 of the Ohio Revised Code would have pertained: Ney's replacement in the November general election would be named by a district committee of the Ohio Republican party.

The special election was held on 14 September, and was won by State Senator Joy Padgett with just under half of the fewer than 1600 votes cast. Events 81 - Domitian becomes Emperor of the Roman Empire upon the death of his brother Titus. Joy Padgett (born 1947, Coshocton Ohio) is a Republican member of the Ohio Senate, representing the 20th district. ^[24]

On September 15, Ney announced he was entering inpatient treatment for rehabilitation and was entering a guilty plea to federal corruption charges related to the Abramoff scandal. Events 668 - Eastern Roman Emperor Constans II is assassinated in his bath at Syracuse Italy. He admitted to making "serious mistakes" and stated that, after helping people for his entire political career, it was he who needed the help now.

On October 13, Ney officially pled guilty before U. Events 54 - Nero ascends to the Roman throne 409 - Vandals and Alans crossed the Pyrenees S. District Court Judge Ellen Huvelle. He issued a statement saying that he was "ashamed" that he had to end his career as a public servant in such a fashion.

Ney did not immediately resign from the House, even though under House rules he would not have been able to vote or participate in any committee work during the chamber's "lame duck" session in December. Events in December Union Day of Romania (1 December World AIDS Day ( December 1) National Day of He claimed that he had outstanding work to finish in his congressional office. Also, several officials said that he was in severe financial straits and needed to continue drawing his congressional salary for as long as possible. The four highest-ranking members of the Republican House leadership — Hastert, Majority Leader John Boehner, Majority Whip Roy Blunt and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Deborah Pryce — issued a joint statement demanding that Ney resign before the lame duck session. Party leaders of the United States House of Representatives are elected by their respective parties in a closed-door (private Caucus. John Andrew Boehner ˈbeɪnɚ born November 17, 1949, is an American politician of the Republican Party who is currently serving as the A whip in the United States House of Representatives is a member of the party leadership who comes second in line after the party's Floor leader, which Roy D Blunt (born January 10, 1950) is a Republican Politician from Missouri, representing ( map The House Republican Conference is an organization for Republicans in the United States House of Representatives. Deborah D Pryce (born July 29, 1951 in Warren Ohio) is an American Politician from Ohio. If he didn't do so, they said, they would make a resolution to expel him the first order of business at the lame duck session. [1]

On November 3 — four days before the election — Ney submitted his resignation to Hastert. Events 644 - Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Muslim Caliph, is killed by a Persian slave in Medina. ^[25] It is widely believed that Ney's delay in resigning cost Padgett any chance of keeping the seat in Republican hands, as she was routed by Space 62% to 38%.

On January 19, 2007, Ney was sentenced to 30 months in prison, pay a $6,000 fine and 200 hours of community service. Events 1419 - Hundred Years' War: Rouen surrenders to Henry V of England completing his reconquest of Normandy. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. On the orders of Judge Ellen Huvalle, Ney reported to Federal Correctional Institution, Morgantown in Morgantown, West Virginia on March 1, 2007. Morgantown is a city in and the County seat of Monongalia County, West Virginia, United States, on the banks of the Monongahela River Events 86 BC - Lucius Cornelius Sulla, at the head of a Roman Republic army enters in Athens, removing the Tyrant Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. His inmate number is 28882-016, and he will bunk in a room with twelve others. [2] He shares a space in the prison with former "Survivor" star Richard Hatch, a Morgantown inmate serving 51 months for failing to pay taxes. [3]

On January 19, 2007, the BBC reported on what awaited Ney in the Federal Correctional Institute, Morgantown. Events 1419 - Hundred Years' War: Rouen surrenders to Henry V of England completing his reconquest of Normandy. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. [4]

Controversies

A picture at Carnoustie, the famed Scottish golf course. Carnoustie (kærnuːsti is a town and former Police burgh in the council area of Angus, Scotland From left to right: convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, golf organizer Jason Murdoch, former Christian Coalition leader Ralph Reed, convicted former Bush administration official David Safavian and Congressman Bob Ney

Ney is allegedly involved in several matters that have attracted the interest of federal prosecutors. Jack Abramoff (born February 28 1959 is a former Lobbyist, and a businessman who was a central figure in a series of high-profile political scandals. Ralph Eugene Reed Jr, (born June 24, 1961) is a conservative American political activist best known as the first executive director of David Hossein Safavian (born August 4, 1967) is a former chief of staff of the United States General Services Administration (GSA and a figure in On 18 May 2006 the House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into bribery allegations against Ney. Events 1152 - Henry II of England marries Eleanor of Aquitaine. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, often known simply as the Ethics Committee, is one of the committees of the United States House of Representatives

Involvement with Abramoff

Main article: Jack Abramoff lobbying and corruption scandal

In four separate guilty pleas, Jack Abramoff, former DeLay deputy chief of staff Tony Rudy, former DeLay press secretary Michael Scanlon and former Ney chief of staff Neil Volz all said Ney had used his position to grant favors to the Abramoff lobbying team in exchange for gifts, including a free trip to the Super Bowl, Northern Marianas Islands, Scotland, the use of luxury boxes at sporting events, and concerts and meals. The Jack Abramoff Indian lobbying scandal is a United States political scandal relating to the work performed by political lobbyists Jack Abramoff, Jack Abramoff (born February 28 1959 is a former Lobbyist, and a businessman who was a central figure in a series of high-profile political scandals. Tony Charles Rudy (born May 3, 1966) an American Lobbyist and an associate of Jack Abramoff. Michael Scanlon is a former communications director for Rep Tom DeLay, Lobbyist, and Public relations executive who has plead guilty to corruption charges Neil Volz was Chief of Staff to Representative Bob Ney (R-Ohio staff director of the House Administration Committee and later part of Team Abramoff, when he left

Ney was subpoenaed in the investigation in November 2005. In May 2006, Will Heaton, his chief of staff, was subpoenaed. William Heaton (born 1979 is the former chief of staff for former Rep ^[26] In June 2006, the federal grand jury issued a subpoena to Matthew D. Parker, Ney's campaign manager. ^[27] In July 2006, John Bennett, a staffer in Ney's district office, received a subpoena. ^[28]

"Representative #1"

On 3 January 2006, Abramoff pleaded guilty to three felony counts involving charges stemming principally from his lobbying activities in Washington on behalf of Native American tribes. Events 1431 - Joan of Arc is handed over to the Bishop Pierre Cauchon. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[29] One of the cases of bribery described in the plea agreement detail involves a person identified as "Representative #1". Ney's spokesman confirmed that Ney is Representative #1. ^[30]

A press release from the Department of Justice describes the particulars:

Abramoff also admitted that as one means of accomplishing results for their clients, he, Scanlon, and others engaged in a pattern of corruptly providing things of value to public officials, including trips, campaign contributions, and meals and entertainment, with the intent to influence acts by the public officials that would benefit Abramoff and Abramoff’s clients. For animal rights group see Justice Department (JD The United States Department of Justice ( DOJ) is a Cabinet department For example, Abramoff and Scanlon provided things of value to a public official (described as Representative #1) and members of his staff, including, but not limited to, a lavish trip to Scotland to play golfon world-famous courses, tickets to sporting events and other entertainment, regular meals at Abramoff’s upscale restaurant, and campaign contributions for the Representative, his political action committee, his campaign committee, and other political committees on behalf of the Representative. The economic value of a good or service has puzzled economists since the beginning of the discipline See also Entertainment (disambiguation and The Entertainer (disambiguation Entertainment is an activity designed to give people At the same time, and in exchange for these things of value, Scanlon and Abramoff sought and received the Representative’s agreement to perform directly and through others a series of official acts, including but not limited to agreements to support and pass legislation, and agreements to place statements in the Congressional Record. ^[31]

Ney said in a statement that "At the time I dealt with Jack Abramoff, I obviously did not know, and had no way of knowing, the self-serving and fraudulent nature of Abramoff's activities". Ney spokesman Brian Walsh said that any official actions Ney had taken were based on "the merits and facts of the situation and not because of any improper influence from Jack Abramoff or anybody else". ^[30]

"Staffer A" and "Staffer B"

Abramoff's plea agreement also details his practice of hiring former congressional staffers. Abramoff used these persons' influence to lobby their former Congressional employers, in violation of a one-year federal ban on such lobbying. ^[29][32] Named in the Department of Justice indictment are two Abramoff colleagues, "Staffer A" and "Staffer B", who are Tony Rudy and Ney's former chief of staff, Neil Volz (who left Ney's office to work as a lobbyist for Barnes & Thornburg) respectively. For animal rights group see Justice Department (JD The United States Department of Justice ( DOJ) is a Cabinet department Tony Charles Rudy (born May 3, 1966) an American Lobbyist and an associate of Jack Abramoff. ^[33]

Michael Scanlon describes actions by Ney

On 21 November 2005, Scanlon pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe a member of Congress, identified as Ney, and other public officials. Events 164 BC - Judas Maccabaeus, son of Mattathias of the Hasmonean family restores the Temple in Jerusalem. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. In the agreement, Scanlon admitted to bribing Ney in return for, among other things, the following (described in more detail below):

• Ney's placing statements in the Congressional Record relating to the SunCruz Casinos scandal;
• Ney's using his position to attempt to endorse and support a client of Abramoff's as a provider of a wireless telephone infrastructure to the House of Representatives;
• Ney's agreement to introduce and seek passage of legislation that would lift an existing federal ban against commercial gaming for two different Native American tribes in Texas (clients of Abramoff);
• Ney's agreement to assist legislation to financially benefit a California tribe. SunCruz Casinos is one of many cruise lines that offer "cruises to nowhere" legally transporting passengers into International waters beyond the reach ^[34]

Involvement in the SunCruz Casinos Scandal

Main article: SunCruz Casinos

Ney is also implicated in the separate Abramoff SunCruz Casinos scandal. SunCruz Casinos is one of many cruise lines that offer "cruises to nowhere" legally transporting passengers into International waters beyond the reach SunCruz Casinos is one of many cruise lines that offer "cruises to nowhere" legally transporting passengers into International waters beyond the reach ^[35] The conduct alleged is that Ney twice entered statements into the Congressional Record at Scanlon's request in exchange for a $10,000 contribution.

In March 2000, before a deal for Abramoff and others to purchase SunCruz was closed, Ney entered the following comments into the Congressional Record that were critical of the management of SunCruz: "Mr. Speaker, how SunCruz Casinos and Gus Boulis conduct themselves with regard to Florida laws is very unnerving. SunCruz Casinos is one of many cruise lines that offer "cruises to nowhere" legally transporting passengers into International waters beyond the reach Konstantinos "Gus" Boulis ( 1949 - February 6 2001) was a land-developer casino operator and restaurant owner of Greek descent who was murdered Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the Florida authorities have repeatedly reprimanded SunCruz Casinos and its owner Gus Boulis for taking illegal bets, not paying their customers properly and had to take steps to prevent SunCruz from conducting operations altogether. " It is alleged that this statement was intended to pressure SunCruz to sell to Abramoff on terms favorable to the latter.

The second time was in October of 2000. It is alleged that Ney, like other Republicans in the House, was under pressure to raise money for the Republican National Congressional Committee (RNCC) in October 2000, a month prior to the November elections. "NRCC" redirects here For the organization of Canadian collectives see Neighbouring Rights Collective of Canada. In an October 23 e-mail from Abramoff to Scanlon, Abramoff asked "Would 10K for NRCC from Suncruz for Ney help?" Scanlon replied, "Yes, a lot! But would have to give them a definite answer — and they need it this week". Events 4004 BC - Creation of the world begins according to the calculations of Archbishop James Ussher 42 BC -

The $10,000 was sent to the RNCC within days, and Ney got credit for raising it. Scanlon wrote a draft statement for Ney that praised Adam Kidan, the main partner of Abramoff in purchasing SunCruz. Ney then inserted the statement into the 26 October Congressional Record, praising the new more responsible management, under Kidan, of SunCruz. Events 740 - An Earthquake strikes Constantinople, causing much damage and death

Ney's support of Indian gambling

Ney introduced legislation that would allow the Tiguas Indians to reopen their casino after receiving $32,000 in donations to his PAC and campaign from the tribe.

In March 2002, Abramoff e-mailed Marc Schwartz, a consultant for the Tiguas, instructing him to donate to Rep. Ney's campaign. The tribe donated $2,000 to the campaign and $30,000 to Ney's PAC. Scanlon e-mailed Abramoff on 20 March 2002 to tell him that he has signed up Rep. Events 1600 - The Linköping Bloodbath takes place on Maundy Thursday in Linköping, Sweden. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Bob Ney to attach a provision allowing the Tiguas to have gaming rights to the Helping Americans Vote Act, which Ney had co-authored: "just met with Ney!!! We're f'ing gold!!!! He's going to do Tigua. " (Former Ney Chief of Staff Neil Volz, now an Abramoff employee, made the appeal to Ney's staff while still subject to the one-year lobbying ban). ^[36]

According to testimony by Tigua representatives, Abramoff set up a lengthy meeting between tribal representatives and Ney in Ney's office in August 2002, as well as a conference call, and Ney assured them he was working to insert language that would reopen their casino into an unrelated election reform bill. Ney's attorney reported that he found a calendar reference indicating that Ney had had a meeting with the "Taqua". ^[37]

Ultimately, the Tiguas casino language did not become law. Abramoff, Scanlon, and Ney had promised the tribe that the provision would win Senate support from Senator Christopher Dodd. Christopher John Dodd (born May 27, 1944) is an American Lawyer and Democratic Politician, who is currently serving Dodd said that he never supported the amendment. The Tiguas then claimed they were defrauded — by Abramoff, Scanlon, and Ney. ^[36]

In November 2004, Ney told Senate investigators that "he was not at all familiar with the Tigua" and could not recall meeting with members of the tribe. Brian Walsh, a spokesman for Ney, said in June 2006 that the congressman's meeting with the committee "was a voluntary meeting — it was not conducted under oath". ^[37]

Neil Volz describes involvement by Ney with Indian tribes

On 8 May 2006, Volz pleaded guilty to conspiring to corrupt public officials and violating lobbying rules. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Bloomberg News described the plea agreement:

In court documents filed as part of Volz's plea agreement, prosecutors said that he and others at Greenberg Traurig offered trips, tickets to sporting events and numerous meals at Abramoff's restaurants to Ney. Bloomberg Television is a network that airs Business and Financial news 24 hours a day and is distributed globally on ten separate channels In 2003, Volz paid for part of a two-night trip to the Sagamore Resort in Lake George, New York, for Ney and members of his staff, prosecutors said.

Ney, for his part, agreed to help Abramoff clients with acts such as inserting language into legislation that would lift a gaming ban hurting one of the tribes, prosecutors said. The court documents also describe conversations in which Volz told Ney what Abramoff wanted him to say in meetings with the tribal client. ^[38]

License to a telecommunications firm

Ney, as chair of the House Administration Committee, approved a 2002 license for an Israeli telecommunications company to install equipment to improve cell phone reception in the Capitol and adjacent House office buildings, equipment that would generate significant revenue for the firm. The company, then Foxcom Wireless, an Israeli start-up telecommunications firm, (which has since moved headquarters from Jerusalem to Vienna, Va. , and been renamed MobileAccess Networks) later paid Abramoff $280,000 for lobbying. It also donated $50,000 to Abramoff's Capital Athletic Foundation, a non-profit organization that Abramoff used to redistribute money for personal and political gain. The Capital Athletic Foundation is a 501(c(3 charity organization founded in 2000

A spokesman for Ney claimed that wireless providers had voted for Foxcom in secret ballots, but spokesmen for each of the six wireless companies told The Washington Post they had remained neutral in the selection process. Ney has refused to make public a copy of documents relating to the agreement. ^[39][40][41]

Involvement in U. S. sanctions on arms sales to Iran

In the late 1970s, Ney went to Iran to teach English. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iran topics. Since then, he has maintained an active interest in Iranian affairs and was the only member of Congress fluent in Persian. ^[42]

In January 2006, Newsweek reported that Ney's lawyer confirmed that federal prosecutors have subpoenaed records on an expenses paid February 2003 trip to London that Ney and a top aide took. Newsweek is an American weekly Newsmagazine published in New York City. The trip was paid for by "Nigel Winfield, a thrice-convicted felon who ran a company in Cyprus called FN Aviation. Cyprus (Κύπρος transliterated: Kýpros,; Kıbrıs officially the Republic of Cyprus (Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία Kypriakī́ Dīmokratía Winfield was seeking to sell U. S. -made airplane spare parts to the Iranian government — a deal that would have needed special permits because of U. S. sanctions against Tehran", and that "Ney personally lobbied the then Secretary of State Colin Powell to relax U. Colin Luther Powell, KCB (Honorary MSC, (born April 5, 1937) is a retired General in the United States Army. S. sanctions on Iran. "^[43]

Resignation

On November 3, 2006, facing an impending expulsion vote, Ney resigned from the House of Representatives by his letter of resignation to Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert. Events 644 - Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Muslim Caliph, is killed by a Persian slave in Medina. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The United States House of Representatives is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress; the other is the Senate. Speaker of the House is a political term referring to a number of people In the United Kingdom and Canada, the Speaker of the House See also Illinois's 14th congressional district special election 2008 John Dennis "Denny" Hastert (born January 2, 1942) is an ^[3][44]

Electoral history

Notes

External links

• Bob Ney at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Associated Press profile
• List of campaign contributors to Bob Ney
• Operation Open Doors, Washington Post editorial, December 3, 2004
• Congressman Linked to Abramoff Is No Stranger to Lobbyists, Los Angeles Times, January 22, 2006, by Noam N. The Biographical Directory of the United States Congress is a Biographical dictionary of all present and former members of the United States Congress as Events 1800 - War of the Second Coalition: Battle of Hohenlinden, French "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The Los Angeles Times (also known as the LA Times) is a daily Newspaper published in Los Angeles California and distributed Events 565 - Eutychius is deposed as Patriarch of Constantinople by John Scholasticus. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Levey and Walter F. Roche Jr.
• House Ethics Panel, Justice Dept. to Run Parallel Probes, Washington Post, May 19, 2006, by Jeffrey H. The Washington Post is the largest and most circulated Newspaper in Washington D Events 1535 - French explorer Jacques Cartier sets sail on his second voyage to North America with three ships 110 men and Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Birnbaum
• "The 13 Most Corrupt Members of Congress" — Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
• Voting record maintained by the Washington Post
• Plea Agreement, US District Court of D. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington ( CREW) is a watchdog group founded in 2003 C. , signed September 15, 2006
• Criminal Information to the Plea, US District Court of D. Events 668 - Eastern Roman Emperor Constans II is assassinated in his bath at Syracuse Italy. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. C. , signed September 15, 2006
• Factual Basis to the Plea, US District Court of D. Events 668 - Eastern Roman Emperor Constans II is assassinated in his bath at Syracuse Italy. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. C. , signed September 13, 2006
• List of candidates for the Eighteenth Congressional District of Ohio

See also