Jack Abramoff, a Republican lobbyist who may be facing an array of fraud and corruption charges, has been talking with prosecutors about a deal that would grant him a reduced sentence in exchange for testifying against former political and business associates, people with detailed knowledge of the case have said.
What began as a limited inquiry into $82 million of Indian casino lobbying work by Abramoff and his closest partner, Michael Scanlon, has broadened into a far-reaching corruption investigation of mainly Republican lawmakers and aides suspected of accepting favors in exchange for legislative work.
Prominent party officials, including the former House majority leader, Tom DeLay of Texas, are under scrutiny involving trips and other gifts from Abramoff and his clients.
Two things are clear from this. 1) The Feds have Abramoff in a vise-grip. 2) Their real targets are members of Congress. Hmm, if they indict congressmembers who also begin to sing then all manner of powerful, influential sleaze may get caught in the net too. Ding, dong, the witch is dead.
P.S. Abramoff , Ralph Reed, and Grover Norquist have been associates since college. Those two will be having a very nervous Christmas indeed.