[Ninong]

David Safavian, the former chief of staff of the General Services Administration, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison.


David Safavian, another high-ranking Bush appointee who was a former Abramoff employee. But remember, boys and girls, President Bush doesn't know Jack Abramoff. Jack who? Never heard of him.

From ABC News:

In court today, Safavian asked the judge for leniency and admitted, "I'm disgusted with myself." He claimed he'd been manipulated by the powerful lobbyist [Jack Abramoff].

In happier days, Safavian accepted lavish favors from Abramoff, including a 2002 golf trip to Scotland, while helping Abramoff make business deals with the GSA.

Safavian's case was the first in the Abramoff scandal to go to trial; six others, including Abramoff himself and Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH), have entered guilty pleas.

Abramoff's sentencing has been postponed twice while he continues to cooperate with investigators. As Brian Ross reported on the Blotter, federal law enforcement officials say he has spent "hours and hours" with FBI agents detailing his relationships with dozens of members of Congress. [The gift that keeps on giving. Seven convictions and counting. So many crooks, so little time.]

Rep. Ney, who also went on the golf trip to Scotland, pleaded guilty earlier this month but did not resign from his seat in Congress. House Republican leaders say they'll move to expel him when Congress reconvenes after the elections, but until then Ney continues to draw his $165,200-a-year salary. [He needs the money to pay for his alcohol rehab!]


P.S. -- Speaking of federal agencies that end in SA, what's the NSA up to these days? Click the link to see: http://www.newsday.com/media/flash/2006-06/23671673.swf

[Ninong]

Both the Washington Post and the Sacramento Bee are running front page stories on the Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA) corruption scandal. It would be really nice if his indictment came down Monday, November 6th. Right now he's still leading in his heavily Republican district but an indictment would almost certainly give the race to Charlie Brown, his Democratic opponent.

Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA) is another one that is very close to being indicted. He has spent well over $800,000 of his campaign funds on his legal defense.