Indictment not only cloud hovering over Delay (Houston Chronicle)

[dooner]

An investigation into his dealings with a lobbyist has big implications
By MICHAEL HEDGES, Houston Chronicle

The prospects of Tom DeLay ever returning to a leadership position in Congress may be jeopardized more by scandals rooted in Washington than this week's indictment in Texas. Particularly worrisome for DeLay are a federal investigation into the dealings of Jack Abramoff, a lobbyist who had close ties to the Sugar Land Republican, and a House ethics committee examination of DeLay's trips and any other activities with Abramoff.

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The Florida case has no apparent connection to DeLay. But the Florida fraud and conspiracy charges against Abramoff, brought by a federal grand jury, could ratchet up the pressure on Abramoff and others to testify in another federal probe that is examining Abramoff's lobbying efforts on behalf of Indian gambling interests.

If Abramoff offers his unqualified cooperation, he could have plenty to say about a series of extravagant trips he took with DeLay that have raised questions about whether the lawmaker violated rules covering gifts from lobbyists.

One of the people who reportedly has been talking with federal investigators probing Abramoff is Michael Scanlon, a former DeLay aide who later became a business associate of Abramoff in deals that led to the alleged bilking of $82 million from the Indian clients.
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http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/nation/3378292

[Syrinx]

1. it's all connected

I suspect that the Abramoff murder threads all lead back to the Bush White House. But I WILL be surprised if it all ever comes out into the open.

[cassiepriam]

2. Follow the money trail. That is how to nail him. nt