From the AP:
A one-time chief of staff to former Rep. Ernest Istook is being charged with conspiracy to defraud the House of Representatives in a lobbying scandal.
John Albaugh is accused of accepting gifts in return for official favors. The charge is outlined in a criminal information filed in federal court on Friday. Such documents are normally entered as part of a plea deal. A court hearing was set for Monday afternoon.
A former Republican congressman from Oklahoma, Istook accepted tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his associates. Istook also used the lobbyist’s skybox at concerts.
Late Update: Several readers have emailed wondering if Albaugh is related to former FEMA Director Joe Allbaugh, Bush’s Texas pal. I assume the different spelling of Albaugh/Allbaugh means no relation.
