Bringing Congress To It's Knees

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Indicted Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff accepted a plea deal Tuesday, agreeing to testify against former associates in an influence-peddling case, in exchange for a reduced sentence. Abramoff is pleading guilty to conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion. Prosecutors also said he used campaign contributions, lavish trips, meals and other perks to influence lawmakers and their aides. He will recieve about 10 years in prison.

The former associates are members of Congress. Abramoff's testimony is expected to be a blow against former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, who has already been indicted, and other members of Congress.

Abramoff's testimony is to be joined with the testimony of Michael Scanlon, who was a former associate of Tom DeLay, will probably not only bring down DeLay, but I'm guessing several other members of Congress.

On good thing about this is that, I believe, most of these Congressmen were Representatives, so if tthey're all indicted shortly, no special elections will have to be held. The people simply won't vote for them in 2006.

Today, well actually Wednesday, about 3 dozen politicans, including President Bush, Sen. Maj. Leader Bill Frist, & Sen. Hillary Clinton, said they are planning to donate the money they recieved from Abramoff, or Indian tribes he represented to charities. Three-forth's of those giving money back are Republicans.

Wednesday, Abramoff also pleaded guilty in a Federal Court in Miami, to conspiracy & wire fraud, which was connected to a 2000 purchase of casino cruise ships.

This just adds to a long line of politicans who are indicted or are expected to be indicted. This list is expected to grow.

Two things in this story are extremely pathetic:
1. The only time politicans donate to charities are when they recieve money in "bad faith",
2. The only thing Congressmen can agree on is taking money from Jack Abramoff.

Politics!

-Adam