If the pundit prognisticators are correct, the Capitol will be awash in the Abramoff scandals in a very few months. Some are predicting that the political damage to Republicans in the House of Representatives could lead to huge losses in the November elections that puts the GOP majority in jeopardy.
– Rep. Chris Shays
One subspecies of Republicans who could be in particular peril is the small group of northeastern liberal Republicans. One of these turkeys with his head on the chopping block is Rep. Chris Shays of Connecticut:
The growing ethics scandal surrounding former lobbyist Jack Abramoff could explode in the coming months and put at risk Republican control of the House, Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., warned today. “There will be bad stories that come out that are embarrassing to Republicans and will cause them trouble,” Shays said at a briefing. “I’m holding my breath.” Shays, a moderate often at odds with the more conservative leadership, said GOP leaders do not yet understand the magnitude of the ethics problems swirling around the House — including Abramoff’s relationship with Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, the former majority leader. “If I were leadership, I would be very concerned about the next few months and try to understand what’s going on,” Shays said. “I am very uneasy that my leadership doesn’t get it now. They’re going to get it in November if they don’t get it now.”
— Rep. Chris Shays
