Another Hill Staffer Caught in Abramoff Net
It has been more than four years since The Post first reported on the questionable activities of now-disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The indictments are still coming.
In the latest case, John C. Albaugh, a former chief of staff to a senior GOP lawmaker, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit fraud by accepting gifts from Abramoff in exchange for helping lobbyists and their clients. He is one of more than a dozen officials, lobbyists and legislative aides to be convicted in the sprawling scandal, which is still under investigation by the Justice Department.
Albaugh's lawyer said that he "deeply regrets and accepts full responsibility" for his actions. He was chief of staff to then-Rep. Ernest Istook of Oklahoma, who was once chairman of the House Appropriations transportation subcommittee.
Istook is now a fellow at the Heritage Foundation. Court documents filed in the case of his former chief of staff show that Abramoff and his clients donated $29,000 to Istook's campaigns. Abramoff claimed in an email to his clients that in a phone call Istook "basically asked what we want in the Transportation Bill."
By The Editors |
June 3, 2008; 8:24 AM ET
Abramoff Scandal
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Posted by: AbramoffLives | June 3, 2008 4:45 PM
Istook...One of Oklahoma's finest! The Heritage Foundation does not have very high standards for it's new employees to meet.
Posted by: willokc | June 3, 2008 4:53 PM
Re: AbramoffLives's post - you've got to be kidding!!
Apparently you presume the Democrats on the Hill are holy egalatarians
Give it a rest - most of both parties are sucking up as much graft as possible.
Your holy messiah Obama certainly did - or was that real estate deal with Rezko REALLY just a coincidence?? Yeah, right.
And of course the BILLIONS Pelosi and company orchestrated in undisclosed and undebated set aside funds for their own personal discretion is only going for projects that benefit all mankind!!
Hate to break your rose colored glasses, but you really need to come out and play in the real world.
Posted by: YouveGotToBeKidding | June 4, 2008 1:19 PM
From Oklahoma?
Got to be bush's toadie, Joe Albaugh's, son.
Posted by: E. Goldstein | June 4, 2008 1:20 PM
NDfKi8 Blogs rating, add your blog to be rated for free:
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Posted by: Nancy Barness | June 24, 2008 4:09 AM
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Unfortunately I believe that we are limited in what we can focus on. I think that if we proceed with the partisan sideshow of prosecuting Bush admin. officials, healthcare will get lost in the brouhaha.
The Washington Post's permanent investigative unit was set up in 1982 under Bob Woodward.
Before they go to the polls this fall, voters will have to be reminded about the Republican Party and Abramoff and the sleaze they wallowed in together.