GOP Congressional Aide To Plead Guilty

The Abramoff files are coming faster and faster to fruition these days. Last week we had two Congressmen have their businesses raided and now an aide to Don Young (R-AK) is pleading guilty to charges of corruption. There seems to be a never-ending supply of these crooked bastards, giving us all plenty to write about when it comes to Republican malfeasance.

From TPM Muckraker:

According to the document, Zachares and Abramoff had what they called their "two year plan": Zacheres would work for Abramoff on the inside, taking advantage of his congressional position to throw business Abramoff's way, and eventually, when Zachares left Congress, Abramoff would reward him. As the information reads: Abramoff "would 'credit' Zachares with the 'business' Zachares... referred or developed for Abramoff's firm, and would ultimately employ Zachares as a lobbyist credited 'with business,' warranting a high annual salary."

In addition to the usual stream of junkets, meals, and sports tickets, Abramoff also funneled $10,000 to Zachares through one of his phony charities. In return, Zachares referred clients and provided a number of favors for Abramoff's various clients.

The document does not implicate Rep. Young, but it does mention that in 2002, Abramoff "assisted Zachares in obtaining his position as a staffer on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee," which Young chaired. And Young has come up often in the course of the Abramoff scandal.

Jack's big mouth in jail is paying great dividends to the justice system. Although there would have been a replacement for the guy in a Republican Congress, I don't know if you could find someone as willing to rat every single rodent out to the authorities. Perhaps it is a change of conscience (gaining one for that matter) or turning back to Orthodox Judaism. Whatever made Jack talk is doing wonders for uncovering what went on on the Hill for all those years. It is good to see another criminal receive his due, I look forward to the next one coming soon.