Lobbyist Jack Abramoff about to cut deal with prosecutors

Federal prosecutors are wrapping up a plea deal with lobbyist Jack Abramoff that could be announced early next week, according to sources close to the negotiations.

The Associated Press reported the plea agreement "would secure the Republican lobbyist's testimony against several members of Congress who received favors from him or his clients."

This deal has to make a lot of congress pretty nervous. The lobbyist contributed millions in casino income to congressional campaigns, routing the money through political action committees (e.g., PACs) to conservative lawmakers. Abramoff also provided trips, sports skybox fundraisers, golf fees, meals, entertainment and jobs for lawmakers' relatives (ed. note: and probably prostitutes, shares of stock, bets, drugs, sex trips to Bangkok, and other illegal activities, as well).

Sources have speculated that up to a couple dozen legislators may be caught in Abramoff's snare when he finally rats out his old pals. He has greased congress up one side and down the other, and congress is experiencing an extreme case of the willies at the thought that Abramoff is about to begin singing.

This may be wishful thinking, but is this just the first nail in the coffin for a Republican-dominated Congress? I think we're up to the first row of nails by now...
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