Talk of Plea by Lobbyist Has Hill on Edge
WASHINGTON — Jack Abramoff is hardly a household name outside the nation's capital. But in Washington's corridors of power, his name is spreading waves of anxiety about a possible political corruption scandal that could tarnish members of Congress, their aides and Capitol Hill lobbyists.
Abramoff, a once-powerful lobbyist who is the subject of a federal influence-peddling investigation, is considering a deal to plead guilty and cooperate with prosecutors, according to sources familiar with the probe. That could open the prospect that Abramoff will implicate any number of lawmakers and aides who were part of his vast network of access.
The case has already turned an unflattering spotlight on the ways of Washington. It has brought scrutiny to lawmakers who had dealings with Abramoff, including dozens who accepted campaign contributions, golf trips abroad and other perks, such as the use of his skyboxes at various Washington sports venues.
Some lawmakers and party leaders fear that repercussions from the federal probe could produce the most far-reaching congressional scandal since 1992, when it was disclosed that 350 House members had been allowed to bounce checks with impunity at the House bank. The political backlash was strong enough that it drove dozens of members from Congress.
Even before Abramoff goes to trial or enters a plea agreement, some lawmakers are moving to distance themselves from the unfolding scandal. A growing number have repaid or given away money they received from Abramoff and his associates. Others are scrutinizing more carefully the sources of funding for trips.
"This is an environment in which people are looking at everything you do and write," said Rep. David L. Hobson (R-Ohio), who has told his staff to accept no offers to fly on private planes, even if doing so is legal.
At issue is an investigation that initially centered on charges that Abramoff and an associate bilked Indian tribe clients of millions of dollars. The probe has reportedly broadened into a far-reaching investigation of lawmakers and congressional aides who may have accepted contributions, trips and other favors in exchange for doing Abramoff's bidding.
Abramoff's former business associate, Michael P.S. Scanlon, last month pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe public officials and to defraud tribes. He promised to cooperate with the investigation.
