Abramoff Scandal
Editorial: Culture of corruption in Washington


"Remember the bad old days of scandals involving wads of $100 bills tucked in unmarked envelopes? Those tales, shocking at the time, seem almost quaint in light of the latest scandals.

The nation seems to have entered a new era of diamond-studded corruption and pay-to-play politics. U.S. Rep. Randy Cunningham, R-San Diego, is the poster boy of corruption, who filled up on millions worth of antiques, rugs and ultra-friendly real-estate deals provided by defense contractors. For scale and showiness, he deserves first place in the disgrace race.

But he may be a small-timer compared to others. He wasn't a party leader or even in charge of a big-money committee. His demise won't unhinge national or state politics because his heavily Republican San Diego district isn't likely to change hands."

Get the Story:
A culture of corruption (The San Francisco Chronicle 11/30)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Abramoff scandal hangs over Congress (11/29)
Abramoff probe spreads to members of Congress (11/28)
Abramoff probe looking into Congress, Bush (11/25)
Editorial: Abramoff worst scandal in decade (11/25)
Editorial: Can't ignore Abramoff lobbying scandal (11/25)
Column: The story of the real Thanksgiving (11/24)
Opinion: Abramoff scandal may top them all (11/24)
Column: Washington a town of sticky fingers (11/24)
Inside the BIA, according to Jack Abramoff (11/24)
Plea deal raises more questions about scandal (11/24)
NYT Editorial: Six degrees of Jack Abramoff (11/23)
Ex-White House official failed to cut lobbying ties (11/23)
Salon: Is the end near for Congressman Ney? (11/23)
Ney: 'Why would I hurt an Indian tribe?' (11/23)
Scanlon to cooperate in Abramoff fraud case (11/23)
String of indictments seen after Scanlon plea (11/23)
Plea deal raises more questions about scandal (11/22)
Scanlon free to cooperate in lobbying probe (11/22)
Scanlon pleads guilty in lobbying probe (11/21)
Abramoff lobbying inquiry far from over (11/18)
Campbell denies relationship with Italia Federici (11/18)
Salon: Italia Federici a 'minor' Republican player (11/18)
Editorial: No coincidence in Abramoff donations (11/18)
Lawmakers deny influence in Abramoff donations (11/18)
Audio: Italia Federici testifies before Senate panel (11/17)
Lawmakers intervened on behalf of Abramoff (11/17)
GOP Senator: Taking tribal money 'illegal' (11/17)
Four Abramoff associates were asked to resign (11/17)
Editorial: Influence peddling in Washington (11/17)
Opinion: Something creepy about Federici's CREA (11/16)
White House cites cooperation with Abramoff probe (11/16)
Ex-White House official claims 'set-up' over Abramoff (11/15)
Abramoff scandal hangs over Republican leaders (11/14)
Senator denies links to Abramoff scandal (11/14)
C-SPAN Moment: Putting the screws to Steve Griles (11/11)
Abramoff scandal should make everyone angry (11/11)
Abramoff sought $9M to set up meeting with Bush (11/10)
Republican accepted money from Abramoff's tribes (11/9)
Abramoff is Republicans' biggest nightmare (11/8)
Ohio Congressman sets up Abramoff defense fund (11/8)
Not guilty pleas in Abramoff-related murder (11/8)
Report: Griles had repeated contacts with Abramoff (11/7)
Ohio Congressman subpoenaed in Abramoff case (11/7)
Column: Where in the world is Italia Federici? (11/7)
Column: Ralph Reed used 'wackos' to fight tribes (11/7)
Opinion: The ugly adventures of Jack Abramoff (11/7)
Editorial: Steve Griles and the revolving door (11/4)
Letters to Norton drafted by Abramoff, staff (11/4)
Abramoff used charity to raise money for DeLay (11/4)
McCain may introduce lobbying reform legislation (11/4)
DeLay staff helped Abramoff gain access to Norton (11/3)
Griles, Rossetti clash at Abramoff hearing (11/3)
Ralph Reed fought tribes with Coushatta money (11/3)
Griles, Rossetti to testify on Coushatta Tribe (11/2)
Griles called to testify on Abramoff scandal (11/1)
Norton associate to testify at Abramoff hearing (10/28)
Jack Abramoff lobbying probe touches DOI (10/26)
Date change for hearing on lobbying scandal (10/21)
Senate Indian Affairs schedules lobbying hearing (10/18)
Abramoff used lobbying cash to defeat Internet bill (10/17)
GOP feels threatened by Abramoff scandal (10/17)
Ralph Reed worked for Abramoff -- again (10/17)
Abramoff scandal takes toll on GOP, White House (10/14)
Two Abramoff tribes gave $10K to New Hampshire GOP (10/14)
Third suspect held in murder linked to Abramoff (10/14)
Former official pleads not guilty in Abramoff probe (10/10)
Bush nominee withdraws over ties to Abramoff (10/10)
Indicted ex-Bush official worked for NIGA, tribes (10/7)
Special prosecutor sought in Abramoff investigation (10/6)
Former Bush official indicted in Abramoff probe (10/6)
Two men held without bail in Abramoff-related case (10/3)
Three arrested in shooting linked to Abramoff (9/28)
Abramoff also boasted of ties to John Ashcroft (9/27)
Ex-White House official sought to close GovWorks (9/27)
Column: Abramoff scandal a sign of GOP corruption (9/27)
Editorial: Abramoff scandal taints the White House (9/26)
In court, Abramoff blamed partner for bad deal (9/26)
Nominee: Abramoff bragged of contact with Karl Rove (9/23)
Ex-Bush official blames arrest on Abramoff probe (9/22)
Abramoff scandal may ensnare more Republicans (9/22)
Arrested Bush official has questionable ties (9/21)
Column: Abramoff scandal visits the White House (9/21)
White House official arrested in Abramoff probe (9/20)
Utah congressman hired ex-Abramoff associate (09/02)
Tribal leader wants probe of Griles-Abramoff links (8/31)
Abramoff tried to hire Griles at lobbying firm (8/29)
Choctaws were Jack Abramoff's first tribal client (8/22)
Abramoff makes first court appearance on charges (8/19)
Ex-Abramoff associate charged in Montana for poaching (8/19)
Abramoff to cooperate with Miami murder probe (8/17)
Ohio Congressman vouched for indicted Abramoff pal (8/16)
Authorities feared Abramoff would flee to Israel (8/15)
Jack Abramoff, partner indicted on bank fraud charges (8/12)
A once powerful Abramoff falls quickly from grace (8/12)
Coushatta Tribe footed DeLay's trip to the opera (8/12)
Grand jury probe of Abramoff cut short by Bush (08/08)
McCain defends GOP senator tied to Abramoff (07/28)
Opinion: Mississippi Choctaws not the victims (07/28)
Justice nominee questioned on ties to Abramoff (07/27)
Editorial: Tribal lobbying scandal a 'blockbuster' (07/18)
Group claims Karl Rove linked to Jack Abramoff (07/15)
Ralph Reed defends work on behalf of Jack Abramoff (07/14)
Editorial: Mississippi Choctaws victims of own greed (07/11)
Choctaws billed for meals at Abramoff restaurant (07/06)
Pombo asks DOJ to widen investigation of Abramoff (07/06)
Choctaws mum on donation to Christian Coalition (07/06)
Choctaw cash flowed freely to Ralph Reed for years (07/06)
McCain bashes Norquist for ripping off tribes (07/06)
Opinion: Tribes share blame for Abramoff scandal (7/4)
Time: Abramoff gave free dinners to Congressmen (7/4)
Hayworth targeted for ties to Abramoff, DeLay (7/4)
Column: Abramoff defrauded Saginaw Chippewa Tribe (7/1)
Column: Abramoff defrauded Saginaw Chippewa Tribe (7/1)
Column: Ralph Reed worshipped casino god (7/1)
Reed backs lottery proposal he fought in Alabama (7/1)
Rabbi says e-mail response to Abramoff was a joke (6/30)
Editorial: Maybe Abramoff should be sent to jail (6/30)
Abramoff cut Ralph Reed off from Choctaw money (6/29)
Column: Kosher deli owner brought home the pork (6/29)
Hopi Tribe drops lobbyist who worked with Abramoff (6/28)
Hayworth downplays links to Abramoff scandal (6/28)
SagChip leader feels vindicated on Jack Abramoff (6/28)
Lobbying Report: Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (6/27)
Choctaws hire three ex-Abramoff lobbyists (6/27)
Investigation links Reed, Norquist to Abramoff (6/27)
Column: E-mail trail shows how to scam tribes (6/27)
Bit player takes center stage in Abramoff scandal (6/27)
Political Play of the Week: Senate lifeguard (6/27)
Opinion: Ralph Reed helps launder tribal money (6/27)
Harjo: Tribes lobby to fleece their own people (6/24)
Choctaws hire lobbyist accused in Abramoff fraud (6/24)
Editorial: Reed lied about taking money from Choctaws (6/24)
Opinion: Reed didn't lie, he just followed the law (6/24)
Ralph Reed pressed by rival to document tribal ties (6/24)
Column: Jack Abramoff's Choctaw Nation (6/24)
Column: No limits to Republican sleaze in Washington (6/24)
Editorial: Washington in worst lobbying scandal ever (6/24)
Senate committee plans to issue lobbying report (6/23)
Under scrutiny, Choctaw tribe goes into hiding (6/23)
Mississippi Choctaws focus of Senate lobbying hearing (6/23)
Column: Wasichus testify on lobbying scandal (6/23)
Update on Senate hearing into lobbying scandal (6/22)
Mississippi Choctaws at center of lobbying hearing (6/22)
Coushatta Tribe gave millions to lobbyists, campaigns (6/22)
Influence peddling on the rise in Washington (6/22)
Another hearing on Abramoff lobbying scandal (06/21)
White House told DOI to pay attention to Abramoff (06/20)
Republican tied to Abramoff pushes anti-gaming bill (06/17)
Opinion sought on GOP group's use of tribal funds (6/16)
Ads target Ney for role in Abramoff scandal (6/16)
DOJ's Public Integrity Section leads Abramoff probe (6/15)
GOP activist won't testify at lobbying hearing (06/14)
Ralph Reed hasn't been hurt by Abramoff scandal (06/13)
Tigua Tribe feels 'betrayed' by Jack Abramoff (06/13)
Lawmaker under scrutiny for links to Abramoff (06/10)
Republican leader defends letter to Gale Norton (06/10)
Senate hearing to focus on Norquist and Reed (06/09)
Opinion: Abramoff and Norquist like 'cat burglars' (06/09)
Gaming leads to new concerns about lobbyists (05/26)
Bloomberg: Abramoff tribes gave $1.4M to Congress (5/19)
Tribal funds helped Abramoff's failed Jewish school (5/18)
Abramoff tribes gave $153K to Montana delegation (5/16)
Column: Tribal bucks went to Republican interests (5/13)
Grand jury in Abramoff probe subpoenas Democrats (5/13)
Familiar problems aired at recognition hearing (05/12)
Column: Ney investigated for Abramoff donations (5/11)
Abramoff refused to appear at hearing on high fees (5/10)
Abramoff lobbying scandal prompts look at rules (5/9)
Abramoff tied to yet another Congressional trip (5/9)
Abramoff scandal an issue in Georgia campaign (5/9)
Abramoff accused of double-dealing another client (5/6)
Coushatta tribal member went on DeLay golf outing (5/6)
Tom Cole recuses himself in any probe of DeLay (5/5)
In the Loop Contest: Name that Washington scandal (5/4)
Abramoff based political activities on Jewish faith (5/4)
Travel paid by Abramoff said to violate ethics rules (5/4)
New legislation seeks overhaul of lobbying regulations (5/4)
More Congressional travel linked to Abramoff (5/3)
Jack Abramoff breaks silence on lobbying scandal (5/2)
Abramoff a target in federal bank fraud probe (5/2)
McCain won't touch lawmakers in probe of Abramoff (4/28)
Ney signed onto bill after using tribe's luxury suite (4/28)
Recall of anti-Abramoff Sag Chip leaders debated (4/28)
More ties between Abramoff and DeLay detailed (4/27)
Former DeLay chief of staff lobbied for NIGA (4/26)
Tim Giago: White lawyers growing fat off tribes (4/26)
Abramoff used credit card to pay for DeLay's airfare (4/25)
Column: Good Indians or bad Indians? Hard to tell (4/25)
Money tribes gave to Abramoff ended up in Israel (4/25)
Saginaw Chippewa Tribe gave $25K to GOP tax group (4/25)
Editorial: Saginaw Chippewa feud needs to end (4/25)
Novak: McCain hopes for indictment of Abramoff (4/22)
Meskwakis gave $50K to group founded by Norton (4/22)
One GOP group won't give records to McCain (4/22)
Abramoff and Scanlon 'still hounding' Sag Chips (4/22)
Coushatta Tribe sues Abramoff, Scanlon in state court (4/22)
Abramoff defends lobbying work for tribal clients (4/22)
McCain subpoenas GOP groups linked to Abramoff (4/21)
Morongo Band denies any ties to Abramoff scandal (4/21)
DeLay used skybox funded by Abramoff's tribes (4/21)
Democrats to introduce bill to address Abramoff (4/21)
House Republicans offer ethics probe into DeLay (4/21)
Congressman tied to Abramoff failed to pay tribal tab (4/20)
Hastert pays tab for fundraiser at Abramoff restaurant (4/20)
Vitter, Hastert never paid Abramoff restaurant tab (4/19)
DeLay denies wrongdoing over Abramoff funded trips (4/19)
Opinion: McCain right to probe fleecing of tribes (4/19)
Recall papers certified against anti-Abramoff leaders (4/19)
Time: FBI to depose ex-associate of Abramoff's (4/18)
Foe of Texas tribes denies knowing Abramoff (4/18)
Ties to Abramoff an issue for Ralph Reed campaign (4/18)
Opinion: Lobbying scandal cloaked in religion (4/18)
Sen. Burns: Support for Montana tribes is known (4/18)
Editorial: Burns should have said no to Abramoff (4/18)
Pombo asked again to investigate Abramoff (4/15)
DeLay's ties to Abramoff a focus of federal probe (4/13)
Opinion: Abramoff is DeLay's Monica Lewinsky (4/13)
'Where the hell were you when we were poor?' (4/12)
Column: Treatment of tribes by lobbyists an outrage (4/12)
Newsweek: Abramoff offered to expose DeLay, others (4/11)
Assessment: The Abramoff/DeLay scandal (4/8)
Salon: Abramoff sold DeLay to desperate tribes (4/8)
Opinion: When ripping off Indians is acceptable (4/8)
GOP rallies to DeLay's defense amid new reports (4/7)
Abramoff helped secure funding for 3rd DeLay trip (4/6)
Burns says Michigan delegation backed school funds (04/04)
Editorial: Burns has chance to restore Indian funds (03/31)
GOP letter to Norton came after Abramoff sent checks (03/30)
Abramoff previously questioned over billing (03/30)
Ralph Reed says he too was 'deceived' by Abramoff (3/28)
Both sides fighting tribe have ties to Abramoff (03/25)
Column: Abramoff, Scanlon had help scamming tribes (03/22)
Jena Choctaw Band back in spotlight in Louisiana (03/22)
McCain plans to finish hearings on lobbyist scandal (3/21)
Opinion: Ralph Reed did work for casinos, not the Lord (3/21)
Coushatta Tribe hires law firm linked to DeLay (3/18)
Chairman: Montana tribes support Senator Burns (3/18)
Senate Finance Committee investigates Abramoff (3/17)
Vitter won't say why he OKed Abramoff fundraiser (3/17)
DeLay denies wrongdoing on trip linked to tribe (3/16)
Vitter responsible for anti-tribal appropriations rider (3/16)
Hayworth predicts DeLay will weather ethics storm (3/15)
Column: Strange bedfellows in Abramoff scandal (3/15)
Editorial: Investigate overseas trip paid by Abramoff (3/15)
Griles fought casino opposed by Abramoff client (3/14)
Tribe gave $75K to group founded by Norton (3/14)
Tribe, gambling firm funded DeLay's overseas trip (3/14)
Editorial: Facts don't look good for Senator Burns (3/14)
DOI investigates contacts with group started by Norton (03/03)
Vitter denies helping Abramoff's former client (03/02)
Report: Former Norton organization subpoenaed (3/1)
Tribes gave $175K to group founded by Norton (2/28)
Tribal lobbying scandal hurts ex-Abramoff firm (02/17)
Tigua Tribe settles dispute over Abramoff fees (02/14)
Sag Chip recall targets anti-Abramoff tribal leaders (2/11)
Editorial: Washington 'sharks' ate tribe for lunch (02/08)
Donations funneled through Abramoff unaccounted (2/7)
Commentary: Tighten up lobbyist rules (01/18)
Commentary: Tribal lobbyist scandal is familiar tale (1/13)
Probe sought of Congressman linked to lobbyists (01/07)
Editorial: 'Shameful' dealings of Washington lobbyists (1/6)
Abramoff and Scanlon scandal won't go away (12/20)
Editorial: Ney's judgment 'clouded' by Abramoff (12/20)
Ney to meet with ethics panel over Abramoff ties (12/16)
Congressman subject of inquiry for Abramoff ties (12/15)
Lobbyists say Abramoff probe has run its course (12/13)
Congressman questioned during lobbyist probe (12/10)
Editorial: Ney not exactly a victim in Tigua case (12/03)
Abramoff 'totally in bed' with anti-gaming forces (11/29)
McCain eyes reform of lobbying disclosure laws (11/24)
Order freezing Abramoff's assets lifted in lawsuit (11/24)
Mississippi Choctaw lawyer referred Abramoff (11/22)
Former Ney chief of staff worked with Abramoff (11/19)
High-priced lobbyist scam linked to lawmakers (11/18)
Coushatta Tribe sues ex-lobbyists for $32M (11/17)
Tigua Tribe to testify at Senate lobbying hearing (11/16)
Abramoff's assets frozen in employee case (11/15)
Vitter 'conned' by group opposing tribe (11/12)
GOP critic of McCain received tribal donations (11/08)
Author: Abramoff, Scanlon likely to be indicted (10/28)
Senate panel asks Coushatta Tribe for tapes (10/27)
Ralph Reed paid $4.1M to oppose tribes (10/26)
Two more lawyers linked to lobbyist scandal (10/21)
Online Chat: Abramoff 'close friend' of DeLay (10/20)
Christian Coalition still after Poarch Creeks (10/19)
Congressman denies knowing of tribe's backing (10/18)
Opinion: Lobbyist scandal goes all the way to Bush (10/15)
Congressman's anti-gaming push backed by tribe (10/15)
Tigua Tribe mum on Washington lobbyists (10/12)
House Resources asked to investigate lobbyists (10/8)
Another tribe considers lawsuit against lobbyists (10/7)
DeLay rebuked yet again for flaunting influence (10/7)
Coushatta Tribe to sue lobbyists for $32M (10/4)
Lobbyist scandal reaches to top levels of GOP (10/4)
Choctaw Tribe's lobbying documents kept secret (10/4)
Documents detail lobbyists' role in tribal elections (10/4)
Salon: Tom DeLay allowed tribes to be 'slickered' (10/4)
Pueblo leader says lobbyists' high fees not worth it (10/1)
Texas AG asked to investigate Abramoff, Scanlon (10/1)
DeLay rebuked for trading influence on House floor (10/1)
Ex-tribal lobbyists slammed in Senate hearing (9/30)
Abramoff mum at hearing while Scanlon a no-show (9/30)
Column: Lobbyists lurked in 'cesspool of greed' (9/30)
Washington lobbyists called before Senate panel (9/29)
Editorial: Send lobbyist hogs to the slaughterhouse (9/29)
Tigua Tribe outraged over being played as 'moronic' (9/28)
Tribes told to donate to lobbyists' foundation (9/28)
Editorial: Actions of tribal lobbyists 'loathsome' (9/28)
Lobbyists worked for, against 'moronic' Tiguas (9/27)
Group opposing Poarch Creeks tied to tribal lobbyists (09/16)
Coushattas used lobbyists to spy on tribes, critics (09/13)
Bush strategist now knows source of tribal funds (09/01)
Bush strategist claims no knowledge of funds (8/31)
Bush-GOP strategist admits taking tribal money (8/30)
Senate hearing on tribal lobbying probe set (8/26)
Coushatta member threatened over recall effort (08/09)
Coushatta Tribe's lobbying records subpoenaed (07/23)
Hearing on high lobbying fees expected in September (07/16)
GOP strategist denies secretly taking tribal money (7/15)
Tribal money secretly funneled to GOP strategist (06/25)
Busy Indian Affairs Committee hits snag on big issues (06/17)
Indian Affairs Committee activity this week (6/15)
Saginaw Chippewa leader who paid lobbyists ousted (06/04)
Indian Country awaits outcome of lobbying probe (05/18)
Tribal chairman says $120K fee to Abramoff worth it (05/18)
Republican governors report biggest donor in 2002 (05/04)
Saginaw Chippewa Tribe wonders where $14M went (04/20)
McCain demands documents from lobbyist, PR exec (04/12)
Coushatta treasurer accuses NIGC of lax oversight (04/12)
Choctaw chief Martin defends embattled GOP lobbyist (04/09)
McCain pushing Choctaw tribe to cooperate with probe (4/8)
Coushatta leaders used tribal money to pay lobbyists (4/8)
Coushatta Tribe paid $32M to lobbyist Jack Abramoff (4/6)
McCain aggressive in pursuing lobbyist records (4/5)
McCain demands documents for tribal lobbyist's work (3/30)
Embattled lobbyist signs deal with another firm (03/25)
Embattled tribal lobbyist gave to Conn. Congressman (03/10)
Saginaw Chippewa Tribe hires new lobbying firm (3/9)
McCain begins investigation into high tribal fees (3/4)
Pueblo governor says $1M fee to PR firm not worth it (3/3)
McCain calls for investigation into tribal spending (2/27)
Four tribes spent $45M on lobbying and PR firms (2/23)
GOP lobbyist scores big with tribes (04/03)
Embattled tribe gets new lobbyist (12/13)