Lobbyist May Cooperate in Inquiry, Source Says

Lawyers for Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff are in discussions with the Justice Department about his possible cooperation in a congressional corruption probe, a person involved in the investigation said.

The probe involves a number of members of Congress as well as staff. A former aide to ex-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) has already pleaded guilty.

Abramoff would plead guilty under an arrangement that would settle a criminal case against him in Florida as well as potential corruption charges in Washington, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks.