Brings A Smile To My Face

The Abramoff 'Scandal' is like a volcano getting ready to blow: we know that it is coming, we just don't know when and exactly how big it'll be. Will it just be a little lava seeping over the top? Some steam and ash billowing into the sky? Or will it be like Mount St. Helens and explode devestating the landscape for as far as the eye can see? Or could it be worse? What are exactly are we talking about here? Michael Scanlon, former aide to Tom DeLay (R-TX; aka 'The Hammer' aka 'Hot Tub Tom') who then became Jack Abramoff's lobbying partner. Well Scanlon pleaded guilty to a bunch of stuff the other day and is now working with prosecutors:

If Scanlon keeps singing, there could be a lot of "victims" in Washington soon. Sources close to the federal investigation tell the Washington Post that investigators "are looking at half a dozen members of Congress, current and former senior Hill aides, a former deputy secretary of the interior, and Abramoff's former lobbying colleagues."

With the possibility of five years in prison and a $19.7 million restitution order hanging over his head, Scanlon has every incentive to help prosecutors bring down Abramoff, DeLay, Ney and others. The most frightening part for the men who may soon be targets? As the Post notes, Scanlon almost seems to be enjoying his role. As he left a press conference yesterday after his plea hearing, Scanlon turned to the reporters there and said, "Thanks, guys. I'll be in touch."

I'm thinking this might be more like Vesuvius. Weeeee! Happy Thanksgiving boys & girls!