Saturday, April 01, 2006

Another Guilty Plea in Abramoff Case

Tony Rudy, who once worked as an aide for former House Majority Leader Tom Delay, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in conjunction with the investigation of corrupt Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff, the Washington Post reports. Prosecutors will seek a sentence of 24 to 30 months in prison and $100,000 in restitution. The charging documents claim that Mr. Rudy "routinely performed official acts" for Mr. Abramoff based on the value of gifts received.

Rep. Delay is referenced in the charging documents, but is not accused of any crime. Ohio Congressman Robert Ney is also referenced in the materials.

In related and discouraging news, political reform measures in the House of Representatives are stalling due to opposition from Republicans such as Appropriations Committee Chairman Jerry Lewis to provisions that would require disclosures related to earmarks.

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