Jack Abramoff, the now very well-known D.C. lobbyist, took a fall today for conspiracy, corrupting public officials (yeah, it's almost an oxymoron), fraud and tax evasion. In a plea deal, Abramoff admitted to crimes that could net him 30 years in the can. He will also plead guilty to similar charges in Federal court in Florida. You may recall that Abramoff was already in hot water over a fake wire transfer he used to secure a bank loan of $60 million.
Abramoff may have gone down, but it looks like he intends to bring down plenty of politicians to cushion the fall.
Once Abramoff begins singing, this could be the heaviest corruption case--ever. Some sources believe that Singin' Jack could take down as many as two dozens legislators (up to and including former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay).
Abramoff and his partner in crime, Michael Scanlon (who pleaded guilty last year), were also accused by prosecutors of conspiring to defraud Indian tribes in four states of millions of dollars.
OK, Jack, start naming names!
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I'm predicting a lot schadenfreude this year! I'm stocking up on chips and beer in preparation for the political show of the decade! Probably won't make up for all of the fear and loathing I experienced watching (and living right next to!) the 2004 Republican National Convention but it should go a long way...
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