Jack Abramoff is the key figure in what is likely to become the biggest congressional corruption scandal in generations. Maybe ever. Justice Department prosecutors are now pressing him and his lawyers to settle fraud and bribery allegations by the end of the week. Unless he reaches a plea deal, he faces a trial January 9th...in a related fraud case that is not the main source of his chicanery.
Abramoff had monstrous ambitions. He sought to build the most influential lobbying portfolio in Washington D.C. He opened two restaurants close to the Capitol. He bought a fleet of casino boats. He produced two Hollywood movies (Red Scorpion, starring Dolph Lundgren). He leased four arena and stadium skyboxes and dreamed of owning a pro sports team. Abramoff offered jobs and other favors to well-placed congressional staffers and executive branch officials. Lawmakers and their aides packed his restaurants and skyboxes and jetted off with him on golf trips to Scotland and the Pacific island of Saipan.
Abramoff's career was given a big assist by forming a key alliance with Tom Delay. They first met at a Tom Delay fundraiser in 1995, and their histories have been intertwined since.
Abramoff also blatantly deceived his clients. For example, the Choctaws were one of his six Indian Tribe clients who gave him $80 million between 2000 and 2003. Behind their back and out of earshot, Abramoff referred to his clients as "morons" and "troglodytes".
The last big Congressional scandal was the Abscam FBI sting during the late 1970s and early 1980s...where six House members and one Senator were convicted. Many people close to the Abramoff vortex say that this one could be much bigger.
Keith Ferrazzi is the author of Never Eat Alone, and the uber-networker of the moment. One of his recommendations for people who want to build their own network is to establish relationships with individuals in professions likely to have very big Rolodexes. Four of these professions are: Politicians, Lobbyists, Fundraisers, and Restaurateurs.
Jack Abramoff had the networking process nailed...he was closely aligned with four of the top networking professions. Unfortunately, he skipped the chapters on Personal Integrity and Ethics.
Over at Words Have Power we have been keeping a close eye on Abramoff's California connections. Of particular interest is Rep. John Doolittle, who may be the first member of Congress to fall when Jack starts to sing.
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Of particular interest is Rep. John Doolittle, who may be the first member of Congress to fall when Jack starts to sing
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