Abramoff Scandal
White House official offered support to Abramoff


As his world in Washington was crumbling, disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff found support at the White House, e-mails released on Wednesday show.

Abramoff kept in frequent contact with David Safavian of the White House Office of Management and Budget. The two had worked together as lobbyists on tribal issues.

"Let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do to help," Safavian wrote in February 2004 as the scandal over Abramoff's high fees broke in the media.

Safavian may have helped a little too much. He faces a trial over charges that he lied to investigators about his dealings with Abramoff.

The e-mails were released by the OMB in response to a Freedom of Information Act request.

Get the Story:
Amid Strife, Abramoff Had Pal at White House (The Los Angeles Times 5/11)
pwday

Recent Court Decisions:
April 28, 2006 | April 25, 2006

Related Stories:
Judge won't dismiss case against ex-Bush official (05/02)
Judge to read Abramoff e-mails in ex-official's case (4/28)
Former Bush official headed to trial in Abramoff probe (03/27)
Abramoff tried to exploit tribes for Washington project (02/13)
Ex-White House official fights SCIA on Abramoff (02/07)
DOJ says ex-Bush official tipped off Abramoff (01/30)
Rep. Young intervened on behalf of Abramoff (01/25)
Abramoff not in NIGA's camp but lobbyist came close (01/19)
White House pressed on contacts with Abramoff (01/18)
Abramoff pleads guilty in Washington lobbying scandal (01/04)
McCain expects 'lots' of indictments in Abramoff case (12/05)
Abramoff probe looking into Congress, Bush (11/25)
Ex-White House official failed to cut lobbying ties (11/23)
Charges laid against Scanlon in tribal lobbying probe (11/21)
White House cites cooperation with Abramoff probe (11/16)
Ex-White House official claims 'set-up' over Abramoff (11/15)
Abramoff scandal takes toll on GOP, White House (10/14)
Former official pleads not guilty in Abramoff probe (10/10)
Indicted ex-Bush official worked for NIGA, tribes (10/07)
Former Bush official indicted in Abramoff probe (10/06)
Cannon denies ex-Abramoff lobbyist set agenda (09/29)
Ex-White House official sought to close GovWorks (09/27)
Ex-Bush official blames arrest on Abramoff probe (09/22)
Column: Abramoff scandal visits the White House (09/21)
Arrested Bush official has questionable ties (09/21)
White House official arrested in Abramoff probe (09/20)
Utah congressman hired ex-Abramoff associate (09/02)