Page "Jack Abramoff" Paragraph 23

In December 1994, Abramoff was hired as a lobbyist at Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds LLP, the lobbying arm of the law firm Preston Gates & Ellis LLP based in Seattle, Washington.

According to The Seattle Times, following the Republican takeover of Congress in 1995, partner Emanuel Rouvelas determined that the firm " didn't have a conservative, Christian Coalition Republican with strong ties to the new Republican leadership ".

The traditionally Democratic-leaning firm hired Abramoff for the specific purpose of attaining these wanted ties.

Abramoff was described in a press release as having close ties to Newt Gingrich and Dick Armey.