Limbaugh Calls 'Redskins' Name Fighter A 'Fraud'

Ray Halbritter

As he describes it, Ray Halbritter is simply on a crusade of conscience by spearheading the effort to expunge the “Redskins” name from the National Football League, according to The Washington Times.

But that controversy, which continues to grow as President Obama and others weigh in on whether Washington’s football club should abandon what some see as a racially offensive name, has taken a detour in recent weeks. Questions have arisen about Mr. Halbritter’s past, his ties to Mr. Obama and political fundraising, clashes with others within the Oneida Indian Nation, and lawsuits that have challenged his legitimacy as the nation’s leader.

Mr. Halbritter, recognized by the federal government as the Oneidas’ official representative and a wildly successful businessman, is described by his critics as a “fraud,” and faces accusations that he is using the Redskins fight as a vehicle to boost his own political profile.

“I hope it’s the arrogance before the fall,” said New York state Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney, a Republican who says she will file motions in federal court challenging Mr. Halbritter’s status as the Oneida leader.

“I think he’s trying to get himself on the national scene. He co-opted this” movement against the Redskins‘ name, said Ms. Tenney, who represents Oneida County and other parts of upstate New York in the state’s legislature.

On his radio talk show last week, Rush Limbaugh dubbed Mr. Halbritter “a fraud” and an “Obama crony,” and said the president is the one who is truly behind the drive to change the Redskins‘ name.

“Was there ever any doubt that Obama’s behind this? Not in my mind,” he said.

More attention also has come to the Oneidas’ political donations to both major political parties and Mr. Halbritter’s personal interactions with Mr. Obama.

In February 2012, Mr. Halbritter and about 70 other Indian officials attended a Washington fundraiser for the president. The Indian County Today Media Network reported that tickets for the event started at $15,000. A top donation, which included pictures with Mr. Obama, was reported to be $35,800.

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