'I Don't Know' Abramoff, Bush Says

Richard Benedetto and David Jackson
USA Today
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Washington (US):
President Bush fended off questions Thursday in a 46-minute news conference about White House links to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and refused to release photos that show the two men together.
"I don't know him," Bush said."I had my picture taken with him, evidently," Bush said at a White House news conference. "I've had my picture taken with a lot of people. Having my picture taken with someone doesn't mean that I'm a friend with them or know them very well."
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See Also:
Mr. Abramoff's Meetings, Again
Majority Believe White House Should Release Abramoff Records
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"It's part of the job of the president to shake hands ... with people and smile," he said.
Bush acknowledged that photographs of him with Abramoff were taken either at White House parties or political fundraisers, but he said he would not make them public because he feared they would be used for partisan attacks.
Abramoff has pleaded guilty to fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials and has pledged to cooperate with investigators.
Asked if he meets with lobbyists, Bush said, "I try not to." He said that lobbyists sometimes come to the White House, and he has met and thanked them for their help in pushing his agenda.
Jan 27, 2006