Posted on 01/04/2006 11:57:21 AM PST by areafiftyone
Edited on 01/04/2006 12:07:25 PM PST by Lead Moderator. [history]
Former Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff used to be the toast of Washington. Now he has plead guilty to fraud, public corruption and tax evasion in connection with dealings related to his American Indian clients, of whom he and former associate Michael Scanlon are accused of defrauding millions in fees. Scanlon was charged in November by the Justice Department with conspiracy to corrupt a U.S. lawmaker and is now cooperating with federal investigators. Abramoff, in exchange for his plea, could face up to ten years in prison while also setting the stage for investigators to use him as a witness against his former colleagues and political allies.
Many in Washington have turned on Abramoff, who used his connections to influence legislation by enticing lawmakers with golf trips, sporting events or fancy meals at his Washington restaurant. Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, who once described Abramoff as a friend, now denies having been tied to him.
But Abramoff's troubles don't just end with the tribes. He has also agreed to plead guilty to fraud and conspiracy charges in connection with his 2000 purchase of SunCruz Casinos, a casino boat company that he had formerly represented. Adam Kidan, a SunCruz business partner, was also indicted. Kidan agreed in December to plead guilty.
Here is a detailed look at Abramoff's lobbying, and political contributions from Abramoff, the tribes that hired him, and SunCruz Casinos, since 1999 *Click source link above*
|
Cycle
|
Total
|
Dems
|
Repubs
|
Abramoff Only
|
Indian Tribes Only
|
SunCruz Casinos Only
|
|
2000
|
$628,983
|
$216,470
|
$409,513
|
$56,513
|
$562,470
|
$10,000
|
|
2002
|
$2,024,470
|
$552,230
|
$1,472,240
|
$81,740
|
$1,918,230
|
$24,500
|
|
2004
|
$1,445,338
|
$620,503
|
$824,835
|
$67,000
|
$1,378,338
|
$0
|
|
2006
|
$331,970
|
$152,470
|
$179,500
|
-$1,000
|
$332,970
|
$0
|
| Grand Total |
$4,430,761
|
$1,541,673
|
$2,886,088
|
$204,253
|
$4,192,008
|
$34,500
|
Well it looks like the minority party took about 34% of the money, year in and year out. I would imagine it is pretty typical that the party in power gets about 2/3 of the contributions from a non-agenda lobbyist looking to influence legislation and administration rulings.
Geez... who would da thunk Abramoff contributed to the DIMs if you only hear from the MSM!!!
Certainly can't spin this as a "Republican ethics problem". I see PLENTY of Democrats on that list!
I asked the Admin Moderator to shorten the post. I didn't realize how much bandwith it was taking up. You can click on the website to see detailed info on who got the contributions. VERRRY INTERESTING. PLENTY OF DEMS IN THE MIX!
whoa!!! they, the MSM, have tried so far...
He didn't. Tribes he lobbied for did.
I suspect Mr. Abramoff will be overcome with guilt and commit suicide sometime in the very near future.
Whew! Seems to me Abramoff was an equal-opportunity skid-greaser. If the Dems want a full investigation I say: Bring it on! If certain Republican power-brokers have to walk the plank as a result then by all means take out the trash and find replacements. We'll be all the healthier for it.
However, there are quite a few Dem leading lights, from Dingy Harry on down who are also in it up to their necks make sure they feel the consequences as well and we shall see just who benefits ten months from now.
Is it just me, or does the name "Jack Abramoff" sound kind of obscene?
Too bad that doesn't necessarily translate to Dems being charged.
When it comes to aggressively pursuing their opponents, the Dems have no fear and the Repubs have no guts.
I bet this stuff is only the tip of the iceburg.
LOL.. I saw that chart..
I thought this was a new experimental View Only thread. ;-)
Thanks for the info.
LOL I got kinda worried after I posted it.
It's only natural that the Reps would get a bigger share because being in the majority of bothe the House and Senate they control the committee chairs. I'm sure is you look at when the Dims controlled things there was more lobby money going their way too.
He shouldn't havestiffed the tribes, that's the Fed/Guv's turf, doncha know? Ask Hillary
I think you are correct. This whole thing is gonna' blow!! Let the chips fall where they may. I don't want my politicians bought and paid for by some Washington hack!!
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