[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Over eighty members and congressional staff are, according to a senior Senate investigator, under scrutiny for political kickbacks, bribes, and political favors on behalf of Abramoff. The scandal is said to include lobbyists, political operatives in Washington and a number of government officials including high-level aides.

So is the mere fact that gifts were received from a lobbyist a criminal act? Or does quid-pro-quo have to be established? And where were the "wires" during the eight years that Clinton was selling the country to the Chicoms?

[WOSG]

"So is the mere fact that gifts were received from a lobbyist a criminal act? "

If I read most of the news reports, I think the legal analysis break down as:

If you received gifts and are a Republican, that is a crime.

If you received gifts and are a Democrat, that is proof you have the adoration of your constituents.

If you do something for that constituent and are a Republican,
that is corruption.

If you do something for that constituent and are a Democrat,
that is constituent service.