To really add nervousness to our politicians over this holiday season, the
New York Times is reporting that Jack Abramoff may be working out a deal with
prosecutors in the federal investigation involving his dealings:
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 – Jack Abramoff, the Republican lobbyist under
criminal investigation, has been discussing with prosecutors a deal that
would grant him a reduced sentence in exchange for testimony against former
political and business associates, people with detailed knowledge of the
case say.Mr. Abramoff is believed to have extensive knowledge of what prosecutors
suspect is a wider pattern of corruption among lawmakers and Congressional
staff members. One participant in the case who insisted on anonymity because
of the sensitivity of the negotiations described him as a “unique resource.”Other people involved in the case or who have been officially briefed on
it said the talks had reached a tense phase, with each side mindful of the
date Jan. 9, when Mr. Abramoff is scheduled to stand trial in Miami in a
separate prosecution.What began as a limited inquiry into $82 million of Indian casino
lobbying by Mr. Abramoff and his closest partner, Michael Scanlon, has
broadened into a far-reaching corruption investigation of mainly Republican
lawmakers and aides suspected of accepting favors in exchange for
legislative work.Prominent party officials, including the former House majority leader,
Representative Tom DeLay of Texas, are under scrutiny involving trips and
other gifts from Mr. Abramoff and his clients. The case has shaken the
Republican establishment, with the threat of testimony from Mr. Abramoff,
once a ubiquitous and well-connected Republican star, sowing anxiety
throughout the party ranks.
View complete article
here.
This should send shivers down the spine of Delay and Ney who have been
reported to be at the center of the investigation. Considering the severity of
this investigation, if federal prosecutors can reach a deal with Abramoff then
they can use that as leverage against the Florida case, which is separate, and
possibly work out a better deal for Abramoff. It would also mean the possibility
of more indictments coming out next month.
Perhaps 2006 will be the year of justice.