Abramoff's Release Still Casts Shadow

Disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff was released from prison to a halfway house Tuesday. The location of his new home is unclear, but everyone seems pretty sure it's not on K Street.

"I'd prefer his halfway house was in Russia, but that's another issue," said Dave Wenhold, president of the American League of Lobbyists, asked about Abramoff's release.

The former Greenberg Traurig lobbyist's name has been linked with lobbying excesses since his downfall and his conviction for, among other things, corrupting public officials. Abramoff served nearly four years in prison. Lobbyists and lawyers said they aren't looking forward to more coverage dredging up the scandal.

Wenhold said the timing of Abramoff's release is "unfortunate because that's what people associate lobbyists with."

Kenneth Gross, a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom who advises lobbyists on legal and ethics compliance, said Abramoff "would do well to lay low....It's unwelcome in the sense that lobbyists are already reeling from proposals from this administration, and unearthing the antics of Mr. Abramoff is not helpful."

But Thomas Susman, director of government affairs for the American Bar Association, said Abramoff's release doesn't mean anything. "What's meaningful for the profession is that he went to jail and his activities led to reform of lobbying laws and congressional rules and he served his time," Susman said, adding, "I think some good came out of all that."

Comments

[anti_fascist_freedom_fighter]

He should lay low... I'll say, since he "laid low" all during his prison term. He shouldn't be released because he failed to cooperate with investigators and never squealed on anybody.

I think a more appropriate response would be for congress should give him the congressional medal of honor, for keeping his mouth shut. I have no doubt Mr. Abramoff will be collecting big checks for his "services of silence."

This thing was bigger than the teapot dome scandal and Abramoff got a slap on the wrist. He should have rotted in jail for 50 years. I'm disgusted.