Rep. Bob Ney pleaded guilty Friday in the Jack Abramoff influence- peddling investigation, the first lawmaker to confess to crimes in a scandal that has stained the Republican-controlled Congress and the Bush administration.
Standing before Judge Ellen S. Huvelle, Ney pleaded guilty to conspiracy and making false statements. He acknowledged taking money, gifts and favors in return for official actions on behalf of Abramoff and his clients.
The 52-year-old lawmaker faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. Huvelle said prosecutors had agreed to recommend a term of 27 months, and said federal guidelines suggest a fine of between $5,000 and $60,000.
Despite his guilty pleas, Ney did not resign his seat in Congress. His lawyer, Mark Touhey, told the judge he would do so before sentencing on Jan. 19. Under the Constitution, he’ll be gone before then. His term expires when the new Congress is sworn in at noon on Jan. 3.
In a statement distributed to reporters after the court session, Ney said, “I accept responsibility for my actions and I am prepared to face the consequences of what I have done.”
Clearly this is another plot by the Democrats to win back the House and Senate- why else would his court date have been scheduled for today? Therefore, using right-wing blogosphere logic, Ney is innocent since this happened in October. Just like the Lancet study is false because it was released in October and the House GOP did nothing wrong because the Foley scandal surfaced in October.
Accountability- it is for the little people.