Rabbi Daniel Lapin
Lapin started Toward Tradition, an organization Jack Abramoff used to channel money from his lobbying clients.
Lapin, born and raised in Johannesburg, eventually moved to Washington state, where he founded Toward Tradition, a non-profit coalition of Christian and Jewish conservatives. Jack Abramoff, who met Daniel's brother, David, while making the film Red Scorpion in South Africa, served on the board.
Lapin made it his mission to unite socially conservative Christians with like-minded members of the Jewish community, defending the likes of Pat Robertson, Pat Buchanan and Mel Gibson when perceptions of anti-Semitism caused a public outcry against them. He appeared in 2005's Justice Sunday, as well. But Toward Tradition didn't stick to strictly cultural issues. The organization became a proponent of free market solutions, school choice and other right-wing causes. These public stands made Lapin a hero to the Right, from Ralph Reed to Grover Norquist.
Lapin has attempted to distance himself from Abramoff and defend Toward Tradition from the ever-widening scandal.
Key Points:
Lapin reportedly introduced DeLay and Abramoff.
Several news outlets have reported that Lapin was responsible for the introduction. Others claim it was Ed Buckham. Lapin has said "it is certainly possible" that he made the introduction, but claims he doesn't recall it specifically.
Lapin's Toward Tradition facilitated Abramoff's bribery scheme.
Lisa Rudy was employed by Toward Tradition while her husband, Tony Rudy, who would later work with Abramoff, was Deputy Chief of Staff for DeLay. Not only did Abramoff suggest Lapin hire Lisa Rudy, but he also said he could cover her salary.
That money, $5,000/month, was paid for by two $25,000 checks from Abramoff clients. One was from eLottery and was sent to Toward Tradition by Abramoff. He was lobbying on their behalf to squash legislation called the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act that would have regulated online lotteries. The Magazine Publishers of America, who had hired Abramoff to lobby against a postal rate hike, provided the other check.
In exchange for the $50,000 payments to his wife, Tony Rudy used his position in DeLay's office to torpedo the Internet Gaming legislation and significantly reduce the postal rate hike.
Lapin helped Abramoff with fundraising.
Lapin admits that he encouraged supporters of President Bush's election campaign to donate through Abramoff, which helped Abramoff reach "Pioneer" status with the Bush-Cheney campaign.
Research by Ryan Chiachiere
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