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Washington in brief
GOP lawmaker might resign chairmanship
By wire services
Published January 14, 2006
WASHINGTON - Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, who has been linked to a bribery scheme involving convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, confirmed Friday that he is considering stepping down as chairman of the House Administration Committee.
Ney, who was in New Orleans for a hearing on housing needs, said he has talked with House Speaker Dennis Hastert about stepping aside.
"I'm considering it - stepping down temporarily - and once the issue is over, I'll come back," he said. "Life continues. I'll continue to do my job."
According to Justice Department documents released last week, Abramoff told investigators that Ney took favors, including a 2002 golf trip to Scotland, free dinners and events and campaign donations, in exchange for his support of Abramoff's American Indian tribe clients in Texas and the lobbyist's purchase of a fleet of Florida casino boats.
The court papers released as part of Abramoff's plea to charges of conspiracy, mail fraud and income tax evasion detailed gifts and contributions Abramoff says he gave an unnamed House member, identified elsewhere as Ney.
Ney has said repeatedly that he did nothing wrong. However, Ney said there is so much controversy about Abramoff that he did not want to get in the way of Congress continuing its work.
Democrats to delay first vote on Alito nomination
WASHINGTON - Democrats confirmed Friday that they will make a last-ditch attempt to slow Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito's momentum by delaying the first vote on his candidacy.
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said in the final minutes of Alito's confirmation hearing that Democrats will put off next week's scheduled Alito vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
That vote would have been Republicans' first chance to officially endorse President Bush's pick to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
Implicated lawmaker says he did nothing wrong
NEW ORLEANS - Two days after his former aide's guilty plea implicated him in a bribery case, Louisiana Democratic Rep. William Jefferson said Friday he has done nothing wrong.
Jefferson answered no questions about Brett Pfeffer's plea, instead making a brief statement to reporters.
"I'm disappointed and in some ways perplexed by this development," Jefferson said.
The former aide said a congressman demanded bribes in exchange for his assistance in brokering two African telecommunications deals. Court documents make clear that Jefferson is the accused congressman without specifically naming him.
[Last modified January 14, 2006, 01:39:15]
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