Abramoff probe inches closer to ex-Rep. DeLay

Thursday, April 26, 2007  

The Jack Abramoff corruption investigation is getting closer to former Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas).

DeLay resigned last year amid scrutiny over his ties to the convicted lobbyist and over his indictment on political corruption charges in Texas. But one of his former staffers, Edwin Buckham, could face charges for his role in the scandal, The Houston Chronicle reported.

DeLay once called Abramoff one of his best friends. He went on a 2000 trip to Scotland, took actions to benefit Abramoff's clients and inserted an Indian Country Today editorial into the Congressional record that praised the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Abramoff's biggest client.

Buckham worked for DeLay but left to start his own lobbying firm that later employed DeLay's wife. Investigators are looking into the payments, The Chronicle said.

Two former DeLay staffers -- Tony Rudy and Michael Scanlon -- already pleaded guilty for their roles in the Abramoff scandal.

Get the Story:
DeLay associate tied to Abramoff probe (The Houston Chronicle 4/25)

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