Abramoff Probe May Spur Move by Lawmakers to Rein in Lobbyists

[UpInArms]

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=aBiarD4WDkww&refer=us

Nov. 4 (Bloomberg) -- Jack Abramoff, the high-powered Republican lobbyist accused of bilking clients out of millions of dollars, may become the symbol that transforms the world of Washington influence-peddling.

Senator John McCain, the Arizona Republican who has led a congressional probe of Abramoff, may introduce legislation to tighten regulations on lobbyists. McCain's old partners on campaign-finance overhaul, Senator Russell Feingold of Wisconsin and Representative Martin Meehan of Massachusetts, both Democrats, are proposing that lawmakers detail payments for travel, and lobbyists disclose whom they contact on behalf of clients.

``A culture of corruption has developed,'' Meehan said. ``As the investigations continue and more wrongdoing is uncovered, I believe momentum will continue to build for real reform.''

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The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana alone spent almost $37 million on fees and donations directed by Abramoff and Scanlon, according to the committee. In e-mails released by the panel, the pair discussed the money they would make off their client. ``Coushatta is an absolute cake walk,'' Scanlon, a former aide to DeLay, wrote to Abramoff on Sept. 10, 2001, according to an e-mail released at this week's hearing.

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