This post began early on Tuesday and is in vaguely chronological order…
CNN Breaking News — Lobbyist Jack Abramoff, a close associate of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, to plead guilty to corruption, other charges, source tells CNN.
According to the New York Times, Abramoff will plead guilty to 3 felony counts: “fraud, public corruption and tax evasion, setting the stage for prosecutors to begin using him as a cooperating witness against his former business and political colleagues.” In Florida “he is pleading guilty to fraud and conspiracy in connection with his purchase of the SunCruz casino boat line”
Washington Post coverage (4 pp.)
Reaction (via Ohio News Now) from White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan.
NPR coverage: Abramoff Reaches Deal, to Cooperate with Fed Probe
Audio for this story is now available online.
Powerful lobbyist Jack Abramoff has reportedly reached a deal with federal prosecutors investigating his wide-ranging influence on Capitol Hill. Abramoff will plead guilty to criminal charges involving the purchase of a fleet of gambling boats in Florida, and is also cooperating in federal investigations of lawmakers who allegedly received favors from him or his clients. Alex Chadwick talks with Ari Shapiro…
Related NPR Stories Today:
* Abramoff Plea Reverberates Throughout Capitol Hill
* Advocacy Group Links Abramoff, DeLay
AMERICAblog has posted the indictments online.
AMERICAblog has posted the plea bargain agreement online.
AMERICAblog on McClellan’s comments.
Commentary from Pam’s House Blend
Commentary from Shakespeare’s Sister
The Washington Post‘s 12/31/05 article: The DeLay-Abramoff Money Trail
Commentary from Michelle Malkin
Commentary from RedState.org
Think Progress: The House That Jack Built
Wednesday Morning’s New York Times NEWS ANALYSIS: Tremors Across Washington as Lobbyist Will Aid Inquiry – Jack Abramoff’s plea deal has thrust him into the role of a corporate insider turning against the company.
Wednesday Morning’s Washington Post Analysis: Shock Waves Down K Street – Abramoff’s plea has the capital asking what other careers and ways of doing business are at risk.
Wednesday Morning’s Washington Post Editorial: Mr. Abramoff’s Plea
Joe at AMERICAblog on Abramoff’s Political Impact.
AP (via the New York Times): Bush to Give Away Abramoff Donations
MAUREEN DOWD in TimesSelect: It’s Not Personal, Jack, It’s Strictly Business
Just because this is a scale of amorality and blatant sale of government that astonishes even Washington cynics, why look on the dark side?