Three Small Fry & Two Big Fish

It appears that the bullet in Senator Fife's pocket wasn't silver because he spent his off-duty time hunting werewolves:

A Justice Department investigation into influence-peddling on Capitol Hill is focusing on a "first tier" of lawmakers and staffers, both Republicans and Democrats, say sources close to the probe that has netted guilty pleas from lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Law-enforcement authorities and others said the investigation's opening phase is scrutinizing Senators Conrad Burns, Montana Republican; Byron L. Dorgan, North Dakota Democrat; and Minority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, along with Representatives J.D. Hayworth, Arizona Republican, and Bob Ney, Ohio Republican.

Logic suggests that these five were not selected at random, but represent the most egregious examples of Abramoff's influence-peddling and therefore the easiest cases to prove in court.

As you might esxpect, all five lawmakers say that they have not done anything illegal and that all their dealings with Abramoff and his clients were legitimate. The investigation will prove or disprove that in due course. What I find intriguing are the actions that each legislator is taking to back up the verbal protestations of innocence.

Senator Burns, Senator Dorgan, Congressman Hayworth, and Congressman Ney have all returned or donated to charity the Abramoff or Abramoff-related contributions they have received in order to avoid the appearance of impropriety. Public relations ass-covering? Sure. But it's still a prudent step to take, even if the contrition ends up being cynical.

But not Dirty Harry - he's not only keeping his Abramoff boodle, but is damn proud of it - and sounds in as much Deaniacal denial:

"These kinds of wild and baseless rumors smack of desperation and is simply a desperate attempt by Republicans to drag Democrats into a scandal they own lock, stock and barrel," [Reid spokesman Jim] Manley said....Mr. Reid has acknowledged receiving contributions from Abramoff's clients, but has said he does not intend to return the money because it represented legal donations. The sources said Mr. Reid is thought to have collected as much as $61,000 in donations from Abramoff clients, including Indian tribes. "Senator Reid has done nothing wrong, and he doesn't see any reason why he would need to return the money," spokeswoman Tessa Hafen said last week.

What's that old adage? "Ask not for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."

Kinda dovetails with, "Pride goeth before a fall," if you ask me.