This 4-byline @washingtonpost story on Zinke being investigated for possibly lying to the inspector general has a Nevada angle that should not be ignored over a major casino company objecting to a tribal casino and possible influence by two NV electeds. washingtonpost.com/world/national… 1/
@washingtonpost What the Pequots allege in filings is not new -- first reported in October: That @MarkAmodeiNV2 and @SenDeanHeller intervened with Zinke on behalf of MGM. But it seems likely they could be interviewed if Zinke is being probed by DOJ. Here's what the story says: 2/
@washingtonpost @MarkAmodeiNV2 @SenDeanHeller "The tribe charged that 'the Department ultimately buckled under undue political pressure' from two Republican members of Congress from Nevada, Sen. Dean Heller and Rep. Mark Amodei." 3/
@washingtonpost @MarkAmodeiNV2 @SenDeanHeller "Neither Heller, who has since left the Senate, having lost his reelection bid last year, nor Amodei, could be immediately reached for comment." 4/
@washingtonpost @MarkAmodeiNV2 @SenDeanHeller "...filing alleges '(Heller) directly pressured (Zinke) to do what was necessary to stop the Tribes’ joint venture casino project during a private dinner at a steakhouse in Las Vegas, on or about July 30, 2017.' Zinke’s official calendar shows he was in Las Vegas that day..." 5/
@washingtonpost @MarkAmodeiNV2 @SenDeanHeller Whether this is anything more than usual "constituent service" by Heller/Amodei remains to be seen. Whether this casts a pall over Heller's bid to succeed Zinke also unclear. Amodei is in one of safest seats anywhere, and he may not run again, FYI. But: Sure is interesting! 6/6
