Republicans fear lobbyist's plea bargain

The ruling Republican establishment in Washington is bracing for a major scandal after indications that an indicted top lobbyist linked to the party is about to tell all to investigators under a plea deal with prosecutors.

Lawyers close to the investigation said yesterday that they expected the lobbyist, Jack Abramoff, to reach the deal within a fortnight, before he faces trial in Miami in a separate case in which he is charged with fraud relating to his purchase of Florida casino boats in 2000.

But this could become a sideshow if a plea bargain agreement is reached. Under it, Mr Abramoff would receive a reduced sentence in Miami, in return for testifying against his business and political associates in Washington - possibly including his ex-patron Tom DeLay, the former Republican majority leader in the House. Mr DeLay denies all wrongdoing.

The Abramoff affair first hit the headlines last year, with the revelation that Mr Abramoff and his partner Michael Scanlon bilked Indian tribes out of more than $80m as they lobbied in Washington to promote the tribes' casino gambling interests.

Since then, Mr Scanlon and another associate of Mr Abramoff have struck plea bargains, placing intense pressure on the latter to do likewise to save his own skin. Mr Abramoff would give the authorities details of contributions and gifts dispensed to members of Congress and their families.

The upshot could be a major political scandal that would further besmirch the reputation of Congress, at a time when its standing is at a low with the public. It would turn a spotlight on ties between the legislature and lobbyists that are incestuous, verging on corrupt.

One Republican Congressman, Robert Ney of Ohio, has already been told by prosecutors that he could face bribery charges over actions on Capitol Hill in favour of Mr Abramoff's clients. Some Democrats are said to be involved as well, and law makers of both parties have scrambled to repay previous contributions from the lobbyist.

Mr Abramoff used his links with prominent Republicans to become one of the capital's most influential and wealthiest lobbyists after the Republicans took control of Congress in 1994. He is now a pariah, and claims to be all but broke.