1st trial in lobbyist scandal nears close

[im10ashus]

WASHINGTON - According to testimony, lobbyist Jack Abramoff used his typically aggressive tactics on an old friend, a Bush administration official who now faces a lengthy prison term if he is convicted of covering up his relationship with the influence peddler.

David Safavian's trial, the first arising from the Abramoff scandal, draws closer to an end Monday, with prosecutors depicting the former top procurement official in the government as a liar who improperly capitalized on his position.

Defense lawyers describe Safavian as an honest public servant who simply confused the details of his dealings with Abramoff.

Toppled from his White House post last year, Safavian's fate is about to be placed in the hands of a jury that has heard a week of testimony about two pieces of government real estate the lobbyist wanted for himself or his clients.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060612/ap_on_re_us/lobbyist_probe;_ylt=AshYF6fK7GmcbZkPcrPbzxiyFz4D;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--