What's Ted's connection?

Jack Abramoff

Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion on January 4, 2006. Prosecutors proved that he used “campaign contributions, lavish trips, meals and other perks to influence lawmakers and their aides.” [Tremors Across Washington As Lobbyist Turns Star Witness, The New York Times, 1/4/2006]

In exchange for testifying against former associates, Abramoff accepted a reduced prison sentence and $26 million in penalties and restitution. [Lobbyist Accepts Plea Deal And Becomes Star Witness In A Wider Corruption Case, The New York Times, 1/4/2006]

Additionally, Abramoff pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and fraud in Miami. The related case stemmed from his purchase of SunCruz Casinos, a casino boat line, in 2000. [Lobbyist Accepts Plea Deal And Becomes Star Witness In A Wider Corruption Case, The New York Times, 1/4/2006]

While Abramoff has served around two years of his sentence relating to the fraud case in Miami, on September 5th of this year he was sentenced to four additional years in prison on the federal charges. [Abramoff Gets 4 Years In Prison For Corruption, The New York Times, 9/5/2008]

Since 1999, Abramoff directed more than $4.4 million from his clients, his company, and himself, to candidates and campaign committees. [Tremors Across Washington As Lobbyist Turns Star Witness, The New York Times, 1/4/2006]

Over $40,000 of those contributions were given to members of the Alaska Delegation. Congressman Don Young’s campaign and his political action committee received around $20,000 from the Lower 48 Indian tribes Abramoff represented. Senator Lisa Murkowski’s campaign received $5,000 and Senator Stevens’ political action committee received about $17,000. [Sen. Ted Stevens Gives Up Contributions After Washington Lobbyist Pleads Guilty, The Associated Press, 1/6/2006]

After Abramoff pleaded guilty Senator Stevens forfeited the campaign contributions and donated them to charities. [Sen. Ted Stevens Gives Up Contributions After Washington Lobbyist Pleads Guilty, The Associated Press, 1/6/2006]

Paul Miller, the president of the American League of Lobbyists, a membership organization with more than 700 members, said that Jack Abramoff… “is nothing more than a supercrook.” [Tremors Across Washington As Lobbyist Turns Star Witness, The New York Times, 1/4/2006]