Many on Capitol Hill say the Abramoff affair could eclipse ABSCAM. With Abramoff’s help, federal prosecutors say, they are unraveling an “extensive” corruption scheme. While prosecutors have not disclosed the number of lawmakers under investigation, speculation runs from a half-dozen to as many as 60. At least a dozen FBI field offices are now involved in the investigation. ~The Christian Science Monitor

Abramoff’s plea bargain and the damage his case promises to do to establishment Washington are, of course, all over the news. Only now are Bush and Hastert getting rid of Abramoff funds (the money is going, of course, to charity).

There is every reason to expect a great many heads will roll (and not only Republican heads), or at least a great many indictments will be issued, according to the San Jose Mercury-News:

The plea agreement signed Tuesday by Abramoff implicates only one lawmaker, Rep. Robert Ney, R-Ohio, but it indicates that future information would ensnare other public officials. The agreement refers broadly to trips, campaign contributions and entertainment offered up to public officials “in exchange for agreements that the public officials would use their official positions and influence” for Abramoff’s benefit. That suggests there were specific quid pro quos that could yield additional charges of bribery and public corruption.

2006 may be the Year of Abramoff.