I sense that Dean is hanging his hat on his statement that no Democrat collected any money from Abramoff, but we keep citing Abramoff affiliated organizations. Although he may be making an irrelevant point, this hair he is splitting could be technically correct unless his charge against the Republicans receiving money depends solely on contributions by Abramoff directly. Do we know if there is a record of Republicans receiving money directly by Abramaoff and the Democrats only receiving affilated money? Obviously it is a distinction without a difference, but one that may vindicate his direct statement on the issue.
But .. while Dean may be technically correct - THE PERSONAL ABRAMOFF DONATIONS TO REPUBS ARE NOT IN QUESTION!!
Yes we do - it's only the donation from Abramoff's affiliates and clients - the Indian Tribes - that are being questioned.
That's why this is a bi-partisan scandal - the repubs who got Abramoff's personal donations are not a part of the investigation - and Tom DeLay has been told by the DOJ that he is not a focus of their investigation.