Let's Make a Deal...
Earlier today, lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty to three federal counts in a deal that will clear the way for his cooperation in the ongoing DOJ investigation into political corruption in Washington. So far, the only lawmaker referenced--albeit indirectly--is Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH), although sources say Justice Department investigators are believed to be focusing on as many as 20 lawmakers and aides.
As readers of TPMCafe are aware, over at Auction House we've been following the ever-widening web of corruption for the past few months.In case you've already forgotten some of the key players, check out these posts:
For instance, back in August, Josh Eidelson gave us this round-up of Jack Abramoff's closest associates, while Austin Bonner reported on which members of Congress dined most frequently at Abramoff's Signatures restaurant. Both Ellen Miller and Ryan Chiachiere wrote about revelations that Bob Ney received campaign contributions and other gifts from Abramoff and business partner Adam Kidan in exchange for negative remarks the congressman had inserted in the Congressional Record about Gus Boulis. (Boulis, you may recall was then in business negotiations with Abramoff and co. over the sale of SunCruz.) And Austin Bonner had this report about Ney's indignant response to accusations of his involvement.
And with so much corruption in the air, you might have already forgotten about David Savafian or how Ralph Reed and Grover Norquist are mixed up in all of this. For other corruption-related posts, visit Auction House and stay tuned for the new TPMMuckraker site.
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