White House Contacts

According to the documents provided to the Government Reform Committee by Greenberg Traurig, Jack Abramoff and his team had 485 lobbying contacts with White House officials between January 2001 and March 2004. Of these contacts, 405 are described in the billing records and 80 are described in the e-mail records.

The lobbying contacts include 345 meetings or other in-person interactions, 71 phone conversations, and 69 substantive e-mail exchanges. The documents also describe more than 200 social or nonsubstantive contacts that are not included in the 485 lobbying contacts.

Office of the Senior Advisor to the President

The Office of the Senior Advisor to the President is responsible for various duties at the White House, including strategic political planning. According to the documents, this office had 82 lobbying contacts with Mr. Abramoff and his associates.

Karl Rove, Senior Advisor to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff

Karl Rove is Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff, and has served in the White House for the full length of the George W. Bush presidency.  In 2000, he served as chief strategist for the Bush-Cheney 2000 Presidential campaign. 

Mr. Rove's Contacts with the Abramoff team

Susan Ralston, Executive Assistant

Beginning in February 2001, Susan Ralston served as Karl Rove’s executive assistant.  Prior to her employment at the White House, Ralston was Abramoff’s executive assistant at both Preston Gates and Greenberg Traurig. On October 6, 2006, Ms. Ralston resigned her position at the White House.

- Rep. Waxman's Statement on Resignation of Susan Ralston

Ms. Ralston's Contacts with the Abramoff team

Barry Jackson

Barry Jackson is Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Senior Advisor. He serves under Karl Rove as the Director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives, and has been in that position since the start of the Bush administration.

Mr . Jackson's Contacts with the Abramoff team

White House Office of Political Affairs

The White House Office of Political Affairs was directed by Ken Mehlman from January 2001 through May 2003. Mr. Mehlman was replaced by Matt Schlapp, who served in that position through February 2005. According to the documents, this office had 17 lobbying contacts with Mr. Abramoff and his associates.

Ken Mehlman

Ken Mehlman worked at the White House as Political Director from the start of the Bush administration until May 2003. Following his departure from the White House, Mr. Mehlman served as campaign director for the Bush Cheney 2004 campaign. He is currently Chairman of the Republican National Committee.

- Rep. Waxman Asks Mehlman about Abramoff U2 Tickets, Releases Mehlman Financial Disclosure.

Mr. Mehlman's Contacts with the Abramoff team

White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

The Office of Intergovernmental Affairs is designated as the liaison to state, local, and tribal governments.  The seven person office has been directed by Ruben Barrales since 2001. According to the documents, this office had 35 lobbying contacts with Mr. Abramoff and his associates.

Ruben Barrales

Ruben Barrales has been the Deputy Assistant to the President and Director for the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs since February 2001. Prior to joining the Bush Administration, Barrales was the President and CEO of Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network.

Mr. Barrales' Contacts with the Abramoff team

Jennifer Farley

Jennifer Farley served as Deputy Assistant Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Ms. Farley's Contacts with the Abramoff team