Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), the incoming chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, says the probe of lobbyist Jack Abramoff and public relations consultant Michael Scanlon could lead to reforms in lobbying disclosure laws, The Hill reports.

The probe has revealed some loopholes in the system. By working pro-bono for the Tigua Tribe of Texas, Abramoff didn't have to disclose his involvement to Congress. This allowed him to keep his connection to an anti-Tigua campaign a secret.

A potential reform could require lobbyists to disclose their involvement in grassroots campaigns. Abramoff secretly worked with Christian activist Ralph Reed to help shut down the tribe's casino.

Another loophole involves verification of the information that lobbyists disclose to Congress. No one checks whether it is accurate and there is little enforcement.

Get the Story:
The Abramoff probe could spur reforms (The Hill 11/24)

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