Ex-Bush aide Safavian apologizes at sentencing

[Judi Lynn]

Ex-Bush aide Safavian apologizes at sentencing
By Richard Cowan
Reuters

Oct 27, 2006 — WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former Bush administration official David Safavian tearfully apologized at a sentencing hearing on Friday for his role in the Jack Abramoff influence-peddling scandal that has ensnared Republicans.

"I stand here contrite and ashamed," Safavian, convicted on charges of lying and obstruction of justice, said at the hearing less than two weeks before elections that will determine whether Republicans keep control of the U.S. Congress.

Safavian, 39, a former chief of staff of the General Services Administration and ex-White House budget office appointee, faces up to 20 years in prison after the jury convicted him on four counts. He was expected to be sentenced later in the day.

Besides the Iraq war, ethics breaches have dominated many U.S. Senate and House of Representatives campaigns nationwide, allowing Democrats to accuse Republicans of fostering a "culture of corruption" in Washington.
(snip/...)

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=2611625

[Eugene]

1. Update: Ex-Aide Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison (AP)

Ex-Aide Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison


Friday October 27, 2006 8:46 PM

By MATT APUZZO

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Former Bush administration official David Safavian was sentenced
to 18 months in federal prison Friday for concealing his relationship with disgraced
lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Safavian wept as he asked for leniency in his obstruction of justice case, telling
a judge that Abramoff manipulated him and drew him into the scandal.

Safavian was convicted in June of lying to investigators about his relationship with
the lobbyist while Safavian was chief of staff in the General Services Administration.
He helped provided Abramoff with details about GSA projects and offered advice on
dealing with the agency.

-link-

Full article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6175598,00.html

[Kagemusha]

3. He asks for leniency on the basis that "it's all HIS fault!!!".

No wonder the judge threw him in the slammer.

[acmejack]

2. They really know how to hurt these guys don't they?

Meanwhile, those despicable potsmokers continue to get the same.