The Democrats intend on using the ongoing scandal surrounding Jack Abramoff as a way to talk about the supposed “culture of corruption” surrounding the GOP, and have referenced the disgraced lobbyist’s donation lists to exploit the catchphrase, “[Republican] knew Jack”. Well, according to CapitalEye, a whole lot of people knew Jack, and not just Republicans. CQ reader John K sends the link tonight with the list of Democrats to which Abramoff’s attention was given.
Make no mistake; the list contains more GOP politicians, and more money went to Republicans. That follows from the fact that the GOP controls more power, and has since the midpoint of Clinton’s first term. But rather than it being a 20-1 phenomenon, the data shows it to be much closer to 2-1. Here’s a summary of the last four electoral cycles:
Cycle ………. Dems ……….GOP
2000 …….$216,470……..$409,513
2002……..$552,230…….$1,478,740
2004……..$620,503……..$843,835
2006……..$152,470…….$177,500
In fact, the ratio comes almost exactly 2-1 during this period, with Abramoff-linked donations accounting for $2.9 million to Republican coffers and $1.5 million for Democrats over this period. Over the last four cycles, the trend has not been towards the GOP, either; the Democrats got an ever-increasing share.
This doesn’t exonerate the GOP for its association with Abramoff. But if people think that Abramoff represents a “culture of corruption” that relates only to Republicans, they obviously don’t know Jack.
UPDATE: CQ reader and frequent commenter Monkei says: “Great. Let’s have a big party and get all of them at once. Either party, either right or left wing. How does that sound to you?” It sounds good to me, which has been my point all along.
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Thus every blogger, in his kind, is bit by him who comes behind.