Most politicans corrupt - US

2006-01-11 07:53

Washington - With a scandal over a once-mighty lobbyist rippling through Congress, 58% of Americans believe there is "widespread corruption" in the US capital, a poll showed on Tuesday.

A series of Washington scandals, the latest involving a sleaze probe against fallen power-broker Jack Abramoff, has 44% of Americans thinking that federal lawmakers are more dishonest than most people, the Washington Post-ABC News poll found.

Abramoff's links to powerful Republicans and his guilty plea to federal corruption charges last week helped prompt the resignation of Tom DeLay, the Republican majority leader in the House of Representatives and a key ally of President George W Bush.

DeLay was indicted in Texas last year on money laundering charges in a campaign financing probe and reportedly is one of several lawmakers targeted in the government's Abramoff investigation.

Bracing for fall-out

Abramoff provided favours to Washington lawmakers as part of lobbying for the gambling interests of American Indian tribes, while allegedly also trying to defraud the tribes.

The survey was conducted after he pleaded guilty to fraud and conspiracy charges in return for cooperating in the federal probe into congressional corruption.

Washington's political elite is now bracing for the fall-out, with some insiders saying that up to 60 legislators could face legal trouble if Abramoff talks.

Already, a top Washington lobbying group will close this month because of its close ties to DeLay, the Washington Post reported Tuesday.

Edwin Buckham, a former DeLay aide who owns Alexander Strategy Group, said the firm was fatally damaged by publicity about the Abramoff affair, the report said.

Republican Senator John McCain proposed legislation last month that would drastically change the way lobbyists and lawmakers can conduct business.

McCain, who has investigated Abramoff's dealings, said the lobbyist's alleged defrauding of Indian tribes "is alarming in its depth and breadth of potential wrongdoing."

Abramoff lobbied on behalf of Indian tribes but also attempted to extract millions from them in a scheme that eventually attracted the attention of the authorities.

McCain, who also helped bring about sweeping US campaign finance legislation, now wants to make the lobbying business more transparent.

His bill would require lobbyists to report making gifts of more than $20 and that lawmakers and their staff have to pay "fair market value" for travel on private planes and visiting sporting and entertainment events. - Sapa-dpa

- SAPA