Disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff didn't just work for wealthy gaming tribes, wooing them with promises of access to top Republicans. He also lobbied on behalf of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory whose officials were wowed by his connections to people like Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas).

Now that Abramoff is under a Senate and grand jury investigation for his dealings with tribes, attention is turning to his Pacific Ocean client. The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and the Associated Press [Documents] all publish accounts about his ties to top Republicans, including DeLay, and even the White House in his attempt to protect the islands from Washington regulation.

The accounts also say Abramoff sometimes played both sides of the fence. He lobbied against a bill that would have given the islands its own Congressional delegate, according to The New York Times.

His dealings with the islands were occasionally secretive. He was paid $324,000 to lobby on behalf of the Guam Superior Court in payments funneled through another lawyers, The Los Angeles Times said.

Over six years, Abramoff and his firm were paid nearly $9 million by the Marianas. Some former officials say it was well worth it but people currently in charge have accused the lobbyist of double-dealing.

Abramoff had help getting that money -- from to two former top aides to DeLay, according to The Los Angeles Times. After his contract with the islands expired, the aides went to the Marianas to broker a political deal to help ensure he would receive a new contract. He engaged in similar practices with tribal elections.

Get the Story:
In Pacific Islands, Mixed Feelings About a Lobbyist's Work (The New York Times 5/6)
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Two Former Aides to DeLay Paved Way for Lobbyist's Deal (The Los Angeles Times 5/6)
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Fees Were Cloaked in Guam Lobbying Deal (The Los Angeles Times 5/6)
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Lobbyist had close contact with Bush team (AP 5/6)
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