Former California GOP congressman John Doolittle has been named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the trial of Jack Abramoff crony Kevin Ring.
Ring, a former top aide to Doolittle, was indicted last year for allegedly bribing lawmakers and members of the executive branch, after he left Capitol Hill and went to work for Abramoff. The indictment charged that, among other crimes, Ring provided lavish meals and events tickets to members of Doolittle's staff, and that Ring provided Doolittle's wife, Julia, with a lucrative non-profit job, arranged by Abramoff. Julia Doolittle has also been named as a co-conspirator.
Prosecutors said they plan to submit statements from 11 alleged co-conspirators, including the Doolittles and four former Doolittle aides.
Doolittle's lawyer did not immediately respond to TPMmuckraker's request for comment.

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sunnysteve
September 29, 2009 11:29 AM
Why unindicted? You also mention "11 alleged co-conspirators" and Doolittle's wife Julie. Are they also unindicted? What's the point of convicting the lobbyists, if we let the politicians and their family members continue to have cover?
We need extremely harsh public corruption penalties to end the sell out of our democracy that has become rampant. First, just like the scum who profit from the drug trade, take everything they own. Everything. Second, set minimum prison terms, without parole. I would much rather see Abramoff and Ring walk free with no punishment whatsoever, if they agree to finger every politician, staff member and family member whom they were able to purchase.
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