Breaking CNN: Abramaoff to plead guilty to corruption, other charges

[blonndee]

BREAKING NEWS (headline)

Lobbyist Jack Abramoff, a close associate of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, to plead guilty to corruption, other charges, source tells CNN.

http://www.cnn.com/

No full story yet...just the headline

[stop the bleeding]

1. Am I the first to reply to this? - may 06 see more crooks brought down

hard!!

:toast::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce:

[Bushies gotta go]

4. Better yet, may he roll over HARD!

Bring the house of cards down!

[FreakinDJ]

75. Rolling over on Delay ????

Love it

[InsultComicDog]

14. Is there anything new here?

Other than CNN reporting the same rumor that's been around for at least a month or two.

[zippy890]

30. hee hee hee

abramoff is copping a plea, gonna turn some republicans in, lots of congessmen messing their pants over this news

biggest congressional scandal since the teapot dome scandal

Rockin down the House for 2006!!!!!!!

[InsultComicDog]

45. You know...

...we've speculated about this for some time (the flipping of Abramoff, etc.) and I guess what's new is that it's no longer just speculation.

I am looking forward to it but I still think the Democrats can't just sit there and not use this opportunity to slam the GOP as the party of corruption.

[zippy890]

53. oh I think the dems should just sit back

and watch the show

crooked repugs goin:nuke:

BWAHAHAHAHAHAH

[InsultComicDog]

70. They can't just do that

...you know damned well that the GOP talking point starting today is that it isn't just Republicans that are corrupt, and then we'll hear a rehash of every accusation made against Democrats for the last 20 years whether true or not.

Then they'll turn it into a Clinton-bashing fest and throw in attacks on moveon.org and Nancy Pelosi.

[adigal]

73. On Freerepublic, they are already saying

more Dems will be implicated than repubs, and are passing around this talking point. The spin begins.

[Terran]

76. I don't care who's affected by this

Democrat or Republican, if they're crooked we need to get rid of them. But I honestly doubt very much that we'll be seeing more Dems than repubs being fingered.

[adigal]

78. That's the difference between us and them

I said the same thing downthread - only the wealthy or those in the pocket of big corporations seem to have a chance to serve in Congress so why are we surprised when we have a Congress that does not relate to real people??? I think the whole issue is bigger than this case.

[InsultComicDog]

80. I agree but

...we can't afford to let the GOP and their puppets, the media, turn this into an "equal opportunity" scandal.

[chicagiana]

112. You won't see ANY ...

You won't see ANY.

Tom Delay FORBADE so lobbyists from working with Democrats. I cannot believe that Delay's but buddy Abramoff disobeyed his edict.

[InsultComicDog]

77. Of course they are saying that

...but I bet the criminals indicted will be all Republicans when all is said and done.

But if I am right, will the public even realize this? The press will be bending over backwards to make it a "balanced" story.

[IowaGuy]

149. So if you're going to bribe a Congressman...

you would do it one whose party is not in power and is not head of any committee?????....ok, freeper Einstiens; who says God doesn't have a sense of humor - he made Aaardvarks and humans with barely enough grey matter to be able to consume oxygen....

[Spiffarino]

89. If Dems took the crook's money and rolled over for him

...then they need to go down with him. If they did Abramoff favors for money or gifts, they should be thrown out.

If they got money from a group connected to Abramoff without doing anything substantial for the bastard then it's a different story. There are plenty of ways for money to work into politicians' coffers that they aren't necessarily aware of. I wouldn't put it past Abramoff and his goons to launder their filthy money through a legitimate-looking group in order to spray Dems with their stink.

[aquart]

128. Exactly. We want ALL the crooks out..

But they spent 70 million investigating Clinton and ALL they could find was a blow job. That's it. The most honest president we've ever had. Except for the original George.

[LonelyLRLiberal]

120. You are right on - all Clinton's fault and "they did it too's" eom

[okieinpain]

121. you forgot the christ hating, devil worshipping michael moore.

[mazzarro]

90. No, No, No - Democrats Must Be Very Vocal This Time!

Democrats should remember the utter foolishness of their silence when the Enron and WorldCom scandals were raging - leaving those issues to the MSM and believing that the weight of the scandals were enough in themselves to indict and negatively impact on the rethuglican corruption. Democrats had better be more prepared to speak up this time and drive home the damage to the rethuglicans. The rethuglican party and philosophy need to tarred real well with this and made so damaged that it will take them a long, long time for the party to get back to its knees.

[InsultComicDog]

156. Yep

Democrats are only now just beginning to realize they have to stay on point and hammer away.

[stepnw1f]

55. But They Aren't Just Sitting Around

The grass roots movement is spreading like wildfire... but hey. Maybe it's a good thing the media DOESN'T COVER US.

Welcome to DU!

[InsultComicDog]

69. No doubt

On these boards and out in the blogosphere we're making some noise...

But it's going to take a lot more than that.

[amitten]

102. So do you think we're going to...."triumph"?

:D

[InsultComicDog]

155. groan

...

[Jackpine Radical]

58. How do you know that?

How do you know he's not gonna get by with naming 1 token Democrat or something? Any reason to think these Fed prosecutors aren't Bushco shills?

[InsultComicDog]

68. Frankly

...that has been a fear of mine.

[The Doctor.]

88. It will be very difficult to pin anything on a Dem...

Prosecutors usually don't want 'token' prosecutions. By the time they dig out the bulk of the facts they are likely to go after only those who are most easily implicated and then offer deals if they think they can get more. If those implicated are Dems, then so be it. But this hasn't been a culture of cooperation in DC these last several years, so I doubt a lobbyist who worked so closely with Republicans had too much to do with Democrats. From what I hear, Democrats were only marginally associated and twice removed from Abramoff.

[Name removed]

46. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[fjc]

86. Any Democrats going down with this?

I heard that rumor too. Any comment from anyone in the know?

[No Exit]

122. I never thought I'd say this, but

may God or Nature or whatever keep Jack Abramoff SAFE and FREE FROM HARM (for about the next 2-3 years)!

[WestHoustonDem]

2. Happy Abrakah!

:party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party:

[Califooyah Operative]

3. they said he's been cooperating for over a year

even before there was a deal. that's BIG.

[Festivito]

139. OVER A YEAR! Whoa. /nt

[AlCzervik]

5. lets hope he has good security until after the trials

we need him healthy for awhile.

[jhain]

6. I'll 2 nd that!

and did I just hear someone talking head mention that he has been 'cooperating' for over a year?
Given up 10,000 detailed e mails?

Elizabeth Edwatd's admonition via Jefferson's quote is ringning in my ears....

[stop the bleeding]

11. 10,000 emails??? that is freaking HUGH!!111 n/t

[Stand and Fight]

50. Jefferson's Quote:

"A little patience, and we shall see the reign of witches pass over, their spells dissolve, and the people, recovering their true sight, restore their government to its true principles. It is true that in the meantime we are suffering deeply in spirit, and incurring the horrors of a war and long oppressions of enormous public debt. If the game runs sometimes against us at home we must have patience till luck turns, and then we shall have an opportunity of winning back the principles we have lost, for this is a game where principles are at stake."
- Thomas Jefferson, 1798

[stop the bleeding]

51. I love that quote... n/t

[Marnieworld]

84. That gave me goosebumps on goosebumps

It's inspiring how relevant Jefferson can be even today. I wish I could hear what he would say about what's happening now.

[Radio_Lady]

114. Oh, wow, what a quote! I'm going to attach it to some emails -- thanks!

[Mad_Dem_X]

115. I loves me some Tommy J.!

:patriot:

[pauldp]

141. Excellent Quote!!

I'd not seen that before. Thanks!

[ClintonTyree]

7. Well, they certainly had the goods on him.........

not let's see how much he spilled to save his precious ass. I hope the man has an once of decency left and blows the whistle on all of his greedy, money grubbing pals as well. I'm willing to wager Tom Delay has soiled his bed clothes upon hearing this! :rofl:

[Redroach]

146. Indeed. Sing Abby, Sing!!!

And I want all the verses too.










:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[havocmom]

8. If you check CNN's page, look low and right at the lame poll

They must be terrified to ask anything of interest. :evilgrin:

[lse7581011]

13. No Kidding!

the most ridiculous one I've seen in a while!

[Connie_Corleone]

9. Time for Popcorn!!

:popcorn:

[UpInArms]

17. can I sit by you - I'll bring more popcorn?

[seafan]

10. NYT story here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/03/politics/03cnd-abramoff.html


WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 - Jack Abramoff will plead guilty to three felony counts in Washington on Wednesday as part of a settlement with federal prosecutors, ending an intense, months-long negotiation over whether the Republican lobbyist would testify against his former colleagues, people involved with the case said.

Mr. Abramoff, 46, is pleading guilty to 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 exchange, Mr. Abramoff faces a maximum of about 10 years in prison in the Washington case.

After entering his guilty plea in United States District Court in Washington, Mr. Abramoff will also announce a plea agreement in a related Florida case, in which he was indicted last year. In that case, he is pleading guilty to fraud and conspiracy in connection with his purchase of the SunCruz casino boat line, and will face a maximum of about seven years' prison time.

Mr. Abramoff has been talking to investigators in the corruption case for many months, participants in the case said, giving them a full picture of what evidence he could offer against other suspects. His participation in Washington has taken place mostly below the radar, as prosecutors made the Miami case the focus of their public work and as Mr. Abramoff and his associates claimed they were preparing to stand trial, facing up to as many as 30 years in prison.

Mr. Abramoff will enter separate pleas in both locations. But the deal reached with the Justice Department is all-encompassing, reducing the severe penalties Mr. Abramoff could have faced in either investigation, in exchange for his inside knowledge of certain lobbying work and legislative actions. One element of the deal is that any he can serve prison time in the two cases concurrently, although the sentencing will not take place until much further along in the investigation.

[stop the bleeding]

20. Pleads Guilty in both cases - can you say Able Danger??? n/t

[seafan]

37. Bradenton Herald (FL) link to simultaneous FL plea deal:

Lobbyist Abramoff reaches plea deal in Florida fraud case

http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/local/13539680.htm

[stop the bleeding]

40. I work in Lutz - happy Florida morning

:hi:

[seafan]

54. It's a wonderful day in the neighborhood!

2006 is impressing me already.

[Matariki]

71. tax evasion, that's good

that hopefully means that even if he 'walks', which no matter how much 'talking' he does will still be a terrible miscarriage of justice, the irs will be all over his ass.

[sweetm2475]

12. let's hope he rolls over on the repukes, too

not just the dems. that's when i'll get excited. until then, well i don't trust these pigs...not even the prosecutor.:shrug:

[UpInArms]

21. OK Repub - Largesse from Istook tainted by Abramoff

http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/OPINION/60102003/1014

Rep. Ernest Istook, R-Okla., said he did nothing wrong in accepting campaign donations from lobbyist Jack Abramoff, but Istook certainly violated his anti-gambling principles in taking Abramoff’s contributions.

Istook announced in late December he would give away $6,000 in campaign and PAC donations from Abramoff to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for American Indian health research.

<snip>

But $6,000 is not all Istook has received from Abramoff. According to published reports, Abramoff and his associates contributed $29,000 between 2001 and 2004 to Istook.

<snip>

Istook signed a letter that opposed a Louisiana casino that would have undercut the interests of a tribal group that was one of Abramoff’s clients.

Istook can say he signed the letter simply because he opposed the spread of gambling, but his job is to be an informed, competent representative. He did little to curtail gambling. Instead, he only worked to protect a gambling interest.

...more...

It's gonna be impossible to ignore all the Rs in this corruption investigation.

:hi:

[sweetm2475]

27. i hope you're right...

i'm tired of waiting around for these pigs to face justice. the time is now!!!!:nuke:

[KansDem]

108. Ahhh, finally! "Compassionate Conservatism" rears its ugly head...

Istook announced in late December he would give away $6,000 in campaign and PAC donations from Abramoff to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for American Indian health research.

I wonder how many other SOBs caught in this mess will suddenly "discover" the "joy of giving?"

[cyberpj]

22. With this admin, healthy skepticism is a must. My first thought was also

what will he actually give them.

He knows exactly how powerful the Bush Family is.

[cyberpj]

42. Evidently it won't be the WHOLE truth -- see this DU thread:

Abramoff Plea May Mask a Larger Crime: GOP Foreign Influence Peddling

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2017725

[sweetm2475]

56. it never is, is it??

i swear if we ever got the WHOLE TRUTH from any of these criminals running our country, i think we might turn to salt, or melt, .....or something:mad:

[cyberpj]

79. No. But they treat us as if we would I think. Where are our militias?!

Somehow I thought they'd be here to help us fight fascism.

[Torn_Scorned_Ignored]

82. Check This

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/30/AR2005123001480.html?referrer=email

[SOS]

87. Re: the whole truth

While today's news is cause for optimism, questions still need answers:

1. Why were 9/11 hijackers, including Mohammed Atta, on Abramoff's SunCruz boat on September 5, 2001?

2. Who ordered and paid for the murder of Gus Boulis?

3. Why did Abramoff work for Saleh Abdullah Kamel (Osama bin Laden's banker) after 9/11? What exactly did Kamel pay for?

There's still a long way to go in rooting out this disease from our Republic.

[cyberpj]

110. Is he simply willing to go down on money to avoid these other scandals?

Was there any Bush deal before there was a plea bargain?

Shouldn't your number 2 item still be part of this action?

[SOS]

145. The Boulis murder investigation

is ongoing. The Sun Sentinel reports that Big Tony Moscatiello has already named Kidan (Abramoff's SunCruz partner) as the one who ordered and paid for the murder.
Kidan wrote the checks for $250,000 to Moscatiello, supposedly for catering services. Kidan surely will be indicted in Florida for first-degree murder soon.
The question remains whether Kidan will name Abramoff. Emails imply that Abramoff knew what Kidan was referring to when Kidan wrote that "protection" was on the way to Florida.
Abramoff responded that it was time for Boulis to "get on out of SunCruz".
Kidan might try to say that the protection was for his step-father. He suggested using that as cover to Abramoff. Kidan's step-father, Sami Shemtov owns a porn operation in Florida. . Apparently the Bonnano's wanted to kill Shemtov and take over his operation.
Kidan and Abramoff are aligned with the Gambino family (Big Tony was an associate of Gotti). The Bonnano's killed Kidan's mother years ago. One of the hit men was Chris Paciello, former Madonna pal.

[chicagiana]

113. This is explosive ...

Can you provide some links to this information????

If this information is true its could IMPLODE the Republican party and implicate Bush in being complicit with the 9/11 attacks.

[SOS]

158. The AP report from 9/26/01:

“SunCruz Casinos turns over documents in terrorist probe.”

“SunCruz Casinos has turned over photographs and other documents to FBI investigators after employees said they recognized some of the men suspected in the terrorist attacks as customers.… Names on the passenger list from a Sept. 5 cruise matched those of some of the hijackers... Two or three men linked to the Sept. 11 hijackings may have been customers on a ship that sailed from Madeira Beach on Florida's gulf coast.”

This site has followed the Abramoff/mafia/9/11 links:

http://www.madcowprod.com/06202005.html

[FVZA_Colonel]

123. He doesn't seem like the type to throw himself on the sword for anyone.

If it's good for Jack Abramoff, he'll do it, even if it means stabbing everyone he helped, and helped him, in the back.

[aquart]

131. He doesn't have any Dems to roll on.

The point of the operation was to create a one-party monopoly of government. Weren't they clever?

[Nordmadr]

15. We have a little tradition in my my household that my wife started

called the New Year's Wish Tree. This is part of my wish.

Bring down these crooked hypocrtical pieces of shit!

Olafr

[benburch]

16. For once, I am stunned.

I am truly at at loss for words.

[Tiggeroshii]

18. Haha. Very nice.

Happy Abrakah someone said?

The Repugs are trying to spin it to make Abramoff a Dem. this isn't gonna help them, that's for sure...

[zbdent]

19. Soon to be followed by ...?

George W. Bush pardons Jack Abramoff . . .

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

25. Doubt it.

It would unleash a firestorm that would leave the repukes in tatters. He will just ignore.

[zbdent]

29. It would keep JA from

tattling on his buddies . . .

[PurpleChez]

36. Not before giving him the Medal o' Honor!

By this time I suppose the MoH has been reduced to the level of a McDonaldland Gift Certificate.

[renate]

41. OT, but I just had to say...

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

that was too funny!

[Beetwasher]

23. "Close associate of Tom DeLay" BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Gotta love that they peg him in that manner. LOL!

[LeftNYC]

24. HAHA! Play with matches you'll get burned...

who's next?

[sweetm2475]

28. or in the words of the great Mike Malloy...

"Lay down with vermin, wake up with lice"
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[haydukelives]

140. Mike's show

should be good tonight

[cyberpj]

26. I see all the congresspeople, but didn't his money also go to BUSH?

Both Jeb and Georgeie?

[Stand and Fight]

59. I had heard that as well... Can anyone confirm? n/t

[wordpix2]

135. looks like it's being investigated. See this:

SNIP

In Bush’s first 10 months in office in 2001, Abramoff and other members of his lobbying team logged at least 200 contacts with the administration on behalf of at least one client, the Northern Mariana Islands. The meetings included some with high-ranking officials such as then-Attorney General John Ashcroft and policy advisers in Vice President Dick Cheney’s office. The Marianas’ agenda included seeking friendly hires at federal agencies and preservation of its exemption from the U.S. minimum wage.

SNIP

Abramoff was helping to keep the Marianas sweatshops going with the low wages..

[CAcyclist]

154. Maybe now we can revisit the issue of those sweatshops

Get rid of that exemption now.

[stop the bleeding]

31. prosecutors have developed a list of at least a dozen lawmakers, ...

From the NYT article sited in a response from above.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/03/politics/03cnd-abramoff.html

Now, after more than two years of investigations, prosecutors have developed a list of at least a dozen lawmakers, congressional aides and lobbyists whose work appears suspect and who are now at the core of the case. With Mr. Abramoff's cooperation, the Justice Department will have a potentially critical witness to alleged patterns of corruption or bribery within the Republican leadership ranks, which in some cases they believe also took the form of campaign donations and free meals at Mr. Abramoff's downtown restaurant, Signatures.


This is HUGH!!11 folks

[PurpleChez]

32. I feel like listening to my favorite album...

...it's the "Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!" song!

[HootieMcBoob]

33. Goodbye GOP!

I wish I could say it's been nice knowing you but I can't...

[Andrea]

34. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me!!!! n/t

[PurpleChez]

39. Happy Birthday and Happy New Year!

[wishlist]

35. MSNBC has full story plus list of individuals involved- all Repubs so far

MSNBC has this link to people involved in this particular corruption probe. So far no Dems listed in either article:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10562787/

Their main article:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10692635/

[sweetm2475]

44. WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce: :bounce:
:applause: :rofl: :toast: :applause: :rofl: :toast: :headbang:
Keep em' coming!!!!!

[silvermachine]

60. This one is of particular interest...

...Peter Ferrara

Senior policy adviser at the Institute for Policy Innovation, who reportedly was paid by then-lobbyist Jack Abramoff to write op-ed articles.
The Washington Times and the Manchester Union Leader have banned Ferrara from their papers. Ferrara said, in a statement, that as an analyst for the conservative think tank, "I have never written anything under an IPI byline that was financially supported or otherwise motivated by anyone other than IPI." Ferrara did admit though to being paid by Abramoff, "I have already acknowledged that, years ago, Jack Abramoff was among those who provided occasional financial support for my work." But Ferrara said the Abramoff payments to him occurred long ago, "I have not dealt with or received any contributions in any form from Abramoff for years now."

Another paid mouthpiece ala Armstrong Williams.

Some weasel words from Ferrara here:
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=58392

Even Tony Blankley (Wash Times editorial page editor) had this to say about Ferrara: "Anybody who misrepresents or doesn't voluntarily reveal that they are being paid to write the article by an interest obviously has fallen below the standard that we would hold any published author to."

Media Matters has a good article also:

http://mediamatters.org/items/200512210001

<<<snip...Media Matters has found that Bandow and Ferrara both wrote columns that praised the commonwealth and discussed allegations against Department of the Interior officials who were pushing for federal intervention in the commonwealth that Abramoff opposed. Media Matters found only one other opinion column in the Nexis database that contained similar praise for the commonwealth and criticism of the Interior officials -- an op-ed by Michael Catanzaro that ran in The Washington Times.>>>>

[Name removed]

38. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[cyberpj]

43. Abramoff Plea May Mask a Larger Crime: GOP Foreign Influence Peddling

Abramoff Plea May Mask a Larger Crime: GOP Foreign Influence Peddling

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2017725

[AntiFascist]

133. I will be very disappointed if this aspect to the corruption does not..

come out.

[SharonRB]

47. Oh, happy, happy, joy, joy

Woo hoo hoo....hallelujah...

RawStory has a pretty good story up now. http://www.rawstory.com

Such a great start to the new year -- 2006 is going to be good, I can feel it.


:toast: :party: :bounce: :thumbsup:

[Lindsay]

48. Oh happy day!

I hope Mr. Abramoff has some exceptionally good security people around him.

[rd_kent]

49. I cant wait to see the list of names!!!!!

We may need to hold special elections to fill all the holes in the WH, Senate and the House after these guys go down!!!!!

[catmandu57]

63. You and me both

I'm crossing my fingers that our nasty ass nazi scumbag fuckhead grave reptile sixth district Mysery is on the list. Please, please, please be there sammy you fucking douchebag.

[woodsprite]

65. Or just appoint the people who REALLY won the elections.

Hey. Anybody think this Bob Ney connection or the money for GWB/JEB come back to bite Blackwell at all?

[donkeyotay]

118. I sure hope so. The Scanlon plea agreement seems to focus on Ney

So hopefully Abramoff's will focus on Delay. But the larger story remains the overall gaming of democracy, the round tripping of influence ala Cunningham. I do believe Homieland Security may be involved in the elections, and Mr Blackwell, with his top security clearance is a very interesting character.

[wicket]

52. Let the indictments of Repukes in Congress begin!!!!

:kick: :kick: :kick:

[seafan]

57. "I'd love us to get our mitts on that moolah." Abramoff, in an e-mail to

"I'd love us to get our mitts on that moolah." Abramoff, in an e-mail to an ally, about an American Indian tribe's contributions to Democrats.

http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/politics/13539748.htm

[Betsy Ross]

61. Do I hear Jack? "Mi, mi, mi, mi."

Readying his singing voice.

[savemefromdumbya]

62. Sweet!

now for the rest of them....

[Roland99]

64. From Yahoo News >>>>> "Abramoff to Plead Guilty, More Charges Filed"

Abramoff to Plead Guilty, More Charges Filed
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060103/ap_on_re_us/lobbyist_fraud

WASHINGTON - Federal prosecutors filed conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion charges against lobbyist Jack Abramoff Tuesday, a Justice Department official said, the same day his lawyer said he'd reached an agreement to plead guilty to two criminal charges in a Florida fraud case.

Abramoff was scheduled to appear at a hearing in U.S. District Court later Tuesday, Justice Department spokesman Bryan Sierra said.

Attorney Neal Sonnett said Abramoff would plead guilty to charges stemming from the 2000 purchase of a fleet of gambling boats and will also agree to cooperate in any ongoing federal investigations in Washington. Prosecutors there are investigating several members of Congress who allegedly received favors from Abramoff or his clients.

Abramoff will plead guilty to two of the six charges in a federal indictment, Sonnett said. U.S. District Judge Paul C. Huck has scheduled a telephone status conference for later Tuesday.

[Mabus]

67. Jack ain’t got a doing-time kind of disposition

at least that's what Ordell Robbie would say.

[cantstandbush]

66. HUGE Question: Are any journalists to be named by Abramhoff? n/t

[Seedersandleechers]

72. I don't know but CNN just reported now that they expect

some democrats to be implicated. What horse shit.

[stubtoe]

83. Just heard that on NPR too.

[Dinger]

130. Was It Bill Schneider or Kurtz?

Just asking.

[adigal]

74. Any Dems involved in this need to go, too

I don't care who they are. I am so disgusted with our system, in which only a very wealthy person, or a person who whores for corporations, such as Biden with the credit card companies, can win a seat in Congress.

Involved in bad deals - get the hell out.

[Cults4Bush]

81. Damn straight!

We need to prove taht we are the party of accountability. That we do not just blind faith our Dems (though some obviously do) and that we wont put up with illegal actions or the enabling there of.

[riverwalker]

85. another link here

it's true!!!!
I'm not dreaming!

http://news.yahoo.com/fc/US/US_Congress

Abramoff Makes Plea Deal, Will Cooperate
AP - 23 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - Lobbyist Jack Abramoff will plead guilty to federal charges in Washington and Miami, clearing the way for him to cooperate in a massive government investigation of influence peddling involving members of Congress, lawyers said Tuesday. As part of the deal, prosecutors were filing conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion charges against the embattled lobbyist. Abramoff was scheduled to appear at a hearing in U.S. District Court here later Tuesday, said department spokesman Bryan Sierra.

[BlueInPhilly]

91. I agree - Dems and Repukes

who received money from this asswipe in exchange for political favors have to face the consequences. I don't care what political party they represent - they whored their position and that is that.

But... I know A LOT more Repukes than Dems are involved, so, let the show begin!!!

:beer: (Where's the popcorn smily?)

[Bake]

92. And in related news . ..

Tom "Bugman" Delay just crapped his pants.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Choke on it, Delay!

Bake

[paineinthearse]

93. Abramoff Makes Plea Deal, Will Cooperate

http://news.yahoo.com/fc/US/US_Congress

Abramoff Makes Plea Deal, Will Cooperate
By MARK SHERMAN, Associated Press Writer
34 minutes ago

Lobbyist Jack Abramoff will plead guilty to federal charges in Washington and Miami, clearing the way for him to cooperate in a massive government investigation of influence peddling involving members of Congress, lawyers said Tuesday. As part of the deal, prosecutors were filing conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion charges against the embattled lobbyist.

Abramoff was scheduled to appear at a hearing in U.S. District Court here later Tuesday, said department spokesman Bryan Sierra. Abramoff was expected to plead guilty to three charges as part of his agreement. Abramoff was then to plead guilty to two criminal charges in Florida stemming from a 2000 purchase of a fleet of gambling boats, said Neal Sonnett, his attorney there. Abramoff will plead guilty to two of the six charges in a federal indictment, Sonnett said.

U.S. District Judge Paul C. Huck has scheduled a telephone status conference for later Tuesday. Four other charges in Florida will remain pending. Any such plea agreement likely would secure the Republican lobbyist's testimony against several members of Congress who received favors from him or his clients. The Justice Department is believed to be focusing on as many as 20 lawmakers and aides. The new charges were contained in a criminal information — a filing made by a federal prosecutor with a defendant's permission that bypasses action by a grand jury.

Prosecutors say Abramoff and former partner Michael Scanlon conspired to defraud Indian tribes in Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi and Texas of millions of dollars. Abramoff reaped roughly $20 million in hidden profits from the scheme, according to the information. Scanlon pleaded guilty in November. Abramoff and Scanlon also lavished a golf trip to Scotland and other things of value on a member of Congress, identified elsewhere as Rep. Bob Ney (news, bio, voting record), R-Ohio, the court document said. Ney has denied doing anything wrong.

more.......
___

Eds: Associated Press Writer Curt Anderson in Miami contributed to this

Related information

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/custom/2005/12/28/CU2005122801183.html">Interactive Graphic: The Abramoff Galaxy at Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/custom/2005/12/28/CU2005122801183.html">The Abramoff Story at Washington Post

Slideshow

[texpatriot2004]

94. Applause. That's great. nm

[Lerkfish]

95. does "clearing the way for him to cooperate" mean a definite committment?

or merely that he could cooperate now if he so chose?

sorry for being confused.

[danielmillstone]

97. Plea agreements

In plea agreements like this one there usually has been a a carefully negotiated written statement outlining the proposed outline as to what the cooperating witness/defendant will testify to. Failure of such a defendant to cooperate can increase the amount of time to be served. We will all have to keep close tabs to see if the highly politicized Bush/Gonzales Dept. of Justice pursues these possible cases.

[wordpix2]

137. doubtful Justice Dept. will pursue, don't you think? Last thing * wants

is Abramoff helping prosecutors connect the dots on his campaign contributions-for-energy-and-war-contracts.

[dogfacedboy]

96. Unless this all gets white washed,

I believe some big heads are going to roll. I will dance with delight if some of the corrupt assholes in DC go down over this. Obviously there will be big time Republicans involved here, but if there are corrupt Dems involved, I hope they go down as well.

[erpowers]

98. What If?

What if he only gives up Democrats? Does anyone really think he will give up Tom Delay or any of the other Republican big fish. At this time I am getting worried that Abramoff will try to only give up Democrats. I am not sure Abramoff will not give the prosecutors a bunch of bogus stuff about Democrats that eventually lead to nothing. Even if it leads to nothing with the election coming this year just naming a few Democrats can cause the Democratic Party to lose a series of elections that they other wise would win. That worries me.

[Catherine Vincent]

100. He wouldn't dare.

He knows most of his clients were repukes. But if some Dems are involved in this bribe accepting, that is okay. Get them too!

[klook]

99. Today is gonna be a GREAT day!!

Show me the money trail!

I've been reading some stuff about Abramoff lately. One thing of interest--he's an Orthodox Jew. The Christian Right will work with Jews to a point, but when the chips are down, the Christian wackos believe that they're going to heaven and the Jews will never be able to join their eternal country club in the sky.

As reported in this WaPo article, Abramoff has worked on behalf of apartheid South Africa and the government of Pakistan, has paid journalists to write favorably about his clients, rooked American Indian tribes' casinos out of millions in lobbying fees while simultaneously bankrolling campaigns against gambling casinos, defrauded contributors who supposedly gave money to charities he was associated with (he rerouted the contributions to his kids' private school and to his own accounts), and he may have had something to do with the murder of Konstantinos "Gus" Boulis, the guy who sold the SunCruz casino ship line to Abramoff and his old college Republican buddy Adam Kidan.

The guy is up to his eyeballs in sleaze, so I'm not surprised that his associates include such scumbags as Grover Norquist, Ralph Reed, Newt Gingrich, Tom DeLay, and numerous other Republicans. I really am looking forward to this unfolding investigation as the corruption that lies at the heart of today's Republican party is exposed.

The right-wingers will try to make this seem like a scandal that affects lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, but it's obvious that Abramoff has been working on behalf of Republicans and Republican causes his whole shady career. I'm glad this is coming to light now, and it's a most excellent start to 2006, the Year of Impeachment.

[greiner3]

101. Hey Jack...

Watch out for sudden heart attacks, blunt force trauma, cars that suddenly speed toward you, you know, accidents that were just waiting to happen!

[DainBramaged]

103. With the Justice Department controlled by Nixon 2.0

How far does anyone think this will actually go? And that dim bulb at MSNBC keeps inserting "it isn't just Republicans".

[klook]

109. Lobbyist Abramoff's `Equal Money' Went Mostly to Republicans

See http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=aBTFEkGJUbSI&refer=us

"...the numbers show that 'Abramoff's big connections were with the Republicans,' said Larry Noble, the former top lawyer for the Federal Election Commission, who directs the Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics.

'It is somewhat unusual in that most lobbyists try to work with both Republicans and Democrats, but we're already seeing that Jack Abramoff doesn't seem to be a usual lobbyist,' Noble said."

[MellowOne]

104. 2006 is off to a good start n/t

[leftchick]

105. AP on Yahoo: Abramoff Pleads Guilty, Will Cooperate

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060103/ap_on_go_ot/lobbyist_fraud_17

WASHINGTON - Lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges of conspiracy, tax evasion and mail fraud, clearing the way for him to cooperate in a massive government investigation of influence peddling involving members of Congress.

<snip>

Ney's lawyer, Mark Tuohey, said Tuesday that the charges against Abramoff were "nothing new." He said they repeated information in the November plea agreement from Abramoff's lobbying partner, Michael Scanlon.

Abramoff also was to plead guilty to two criminal charges in Florida stemming from a 2000 purchase of a fleet of gambling boats, said Neal Sonnett, his attorney there.

<snip>

White House spokesman Scott McClellan could not say Tuesday whether Abramoff ever met President Bush. But when asked at the White House about this, the spokesman said that "what he is reportedly acknowledged doing is unacceptable and outrageous."

"If laws were broken, he must be held to account for what he did," McClellan said.

[rateyes]

106. Oh the wonderful sound of...

shit hitting the fan, when you are standing behind the fan.

[sakabatou]

107. Woo-hoo!

[schaar]

111. Great News

I really hope Abramoff spills the entire beans about the slimy lobbying process. I want him to name big names in Congress.

[NewWaveChick1981]

116. Saw this a little while ago...

Maybe there's justice yet.... :D

[Mad_Dem_X]

117. CNN link:

In case it hasn't been posted yet --

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/01/03/abramoff.plea/index.html

[Up2Late]

119. And yet, on the Cable "news" networks...Blond Baby girl recovered...

...in Utah from a Car-jacker, Fox "news" holding 24/7 live vigil at the W.Virginia Coal Mine, CNN reporting on the USC Trojan making his last ride around some bowl game...

I actually feel Physically Ill after seeing all the crap they are sowing in order to NOT report this.

Thank God for NPR, On Now:

<http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=5>

Talk of the Nation

Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006
(On now Live)

Homeland Security in the Digital Age

Audio for this story will be available at approx. 6:00 p.m. ET

Talk of the Nation, January 3, 2006 · President Bush says intercepting Americans' phone calls and e-mails without warrants is necessary in an age of terrorism and high technology. What effect does changing technology have on national security?

Guests:

Timothy Naftali, intelligence historian at the University of Virginia's Miller Center of Public Affairs; author of Blind Spot: The Secret History of American Counterterrorism

Jim Bamford, author of Body of Secrets: Anatomy of the Ultra-Secret National Security Agency and The Puzzle Palace: Inside the National Security Agency, America's Most Secret Intelligence Organization

Paul Bradley, principal of data-mining technology at Apollo Data Technology

Jack Abramoff Makes Plea Deal

(On at approx 3:40pm ET)
Audio for this story will be available at approx. 6:00 p.m. ET


Talk of the Nation, January 3, 2006 · Lobbyist Jack Abramoff agrees to enter a guilty plea to federal charges in Washington and Miami.

Guest:

Dana Milbank, White House reporter for The Washington Post

[namvet73]

124. BRRRRAAAAAAAP BRRRRAAAAAAP!

The shit is hitting the fan!

[HR_Pufnstuf]

125. Deep-six in '06

nt

[KansDem]

126. Hey, I like that and might use it in a bumper sticker!

May I have your permission?

GOP: Deep Six in '06

[Democrat 4 Ever]

127. CNN has plea agreement on web site

Looks like the prosecutor nailed his b*lls to the wall -

http://news.findlaw.com/cnn/docs/abramoff/usabrmff10306plea.pdf

Still reading it but so far it is delicious!

[Roland99]

132. TPM has it, too. And check out Abramoff's Falwell-esque tripe >>>>

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/docs/abramoff-plea1.html


http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Abramoffs_statement_0103.html

"Your honor, words will not be able to ever express how sorry I am for this, and I have profound regret and sorrow for the multitude of mistakes and harm I have caused. All of my remaining days, I will feel tremendous sadness and regret for my conduct and for what I have done. I only hope that I can merit forgiveness from the Almighty and from those I have wronged or caused to suffer. I will work hard to earn that redemption."


Statement from Abbe Lowell of Chadbourne & Parke, attorney for Jack Abramoff:

"Eighteen months ago, Mr. Abramoff first made contact with prosecutors to admit his wrongdoing and to seek forgiveness from those he has wronged. He intends to continue to work with the Justice Department and others to fully resolve all matters of interest, to provide restitution to anyone he has harmed, and to seek absolution from all.

Someone call the wahmbulance!!!

[HR_Pufnstuf]

151. Go for it.

And if goes HUGH, so be it.

[Independent_Liberal]

129. The dog doodoo is going to hit the fan and it won't be distributed evenly!

It's going to fly at me very fast!

:D

[wixomblues]

134. This is how it begins.........

Excellent. Fall jack, fall, and tell us all about your little friends on your way down.

[myrna minx]

136. I'm already loving 2006! n/t

[wordpix2]

138. and this doesn't even address who murdered the SunCruz owner in Florida

[UCSBLiberalCat53]

142. It's only a red herring

The White House won't be implicated in the plea bargain. It'll only be some low-level flunkies and a few sacrificial lambs.

[stepnw1f]

148. Aha... Ok Karl Rove!

Jesus....

[UCSBLiberalCat53]

152. call it the pessimist in me.

I smell Karl Rove.

and seeing the thugs get away with every impeachable offense they've done, unfortunately I'll believe it when i see it just like that lady in the Ted Rall cartoon who says, "They'll get away with it, they'll get away with it."

don't get me wrong. I'm extremely happy about all of this, but I'm just preparing for my hopes to be dashed again.

[Trillo]

143. If he does, in fact, plead guilty, then

it offers hope to all of us that corruption can be beat. Good news for a change, hope it's true.

[worldgonekrazy]

144. CNN: Lobbyist admits to kickbacks, fraud

Lobbyist admits to kickbacks, fraud

Abramoff agrees to cooperate in Washington corruption probe


WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former high-powered lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion charges, agreeing to cooperate in a federal corruption probe in Washington.

Abramoff, 46, faces up to 11 years in federal prison and must pay $26.7 million in restitution, said U.S. Assistant Attorney General Alice Fisher.

She said Abramoff admitted to corrupting government officials and defrauding his own clients out of $25 million.

Abramoff admitted that he did not disclose receiving kickbacks on payments from Native American tribes to a partner's public relations firm.

<snip>

Abramoff's plea agreement spares him the possibility of a maximum 30-year sentence if he provides useful assistance in the corruption probe. Prosecutors also might seek a further sentence reduction at the end of the investigation, Fisher said.


http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/01/03/abramoff.plea/index.html

[Tom Joad]

147. Does this mean the Republican Party is looking for a new owner?

Maybe Steinbrenner will buy it? It seems like the next logical franchise for him.

[0007]

150. What a wonderful day in the neighborhood, eh?

[bearfan454]

153. Delay is squirming good now. nt

[usregimechange]

157. Where are the moral values in this country?