Posted on 08/01/2005 9:18:17 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) - The president of the government-allied Liberal Party resigned from Congress on Monday - the first lawmaker to step down in a widening corruption scandal that has plagued the government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Rep. Valdemar Costa Neto, who represents Sao Paulo state for the Liberal Party, said he had erred in accepting money from Silva's Workers' Party during the 2002 elections.
"I assume the only and absolute responsibility for this act," Costa told Congress in an address. He said he would stay on as president of the Liberal Party.
Costa Neto acknowledged he erred in accepting unreported donations to cover campaign expenses, but denied the money was used to pay lawmakers to vote along with the governing-coalition on key votes.
By resigning, Costa Neto avoids the possibility of being impeached.
Rep. Roberto Jefferson accused Costa Neto of being one of the members of Congress involved in monthly bribes to lawmakers in exchange for their votes. Jefferson's accusations in early June touched off the scandal that has so far led to the resignations of several top Workers' Party officials.
Corrupt liberals, who'd a thunk it?
Corruption? In BRAZIL?!!! What are the chances?
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