The power of attraction:Key figure in D.C. lobbying scandal( NY)

Key figure in D.C. lobbying scandal says great ‘upside potential’ lured him into web of alleged corruption

The Glen Cove man who has become a key figure in the burgeoning investigation of possible corruption on Capitol Hill says he got immersed in the scandal through his close friendship with prominent lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and the heady lifestyle it led to in South Florida and Washington. "I wish I had never met Jack," Adam Kidan said in an exclusive interview this weekend with Newsday, the first he has given to the media since pleading guilty to fraud charges two weeks ago.

Kidan, 41, admitted in Miami federal court on Dec. 15 that he had participated in the $60 million fraud that bankrupted the South Florida-based SunCruz line of casino boats in 2001. He agreed to testify against Abramoff -- his partner in SunCruz and his buddy since college days -- and also to cooperate with federal investigators probing influence peddling and lobbying on Capitol Hill. In giving a unique insight into a seductive, yet fraudulent netherworld, Kidan acknowledged that he was not duped, but that he was a willing participant in his and Abramoff's alleged activities.

'I looked the other way'
"I played with the big boys and this is the result -- sometimes you go into a business and the upside potential is so great that you close your eyes and look the other way," Kidan said in the telephone interview. "I looked the other way and the other way has come back to smack me." Kidan says he is separated from his wife and cares for their 2-year-old daughter three days a week as he prepares to cooperate with federal and state prosecutors.

Kidan declined on the advice of his attorney, Joseph Conway of Mineola, to discuss the criminal cases in which he is involved, or his dealings with any members of Congress, other politicians, their staffs or families. Abramoff's attorneys, who declined to comment yesterday, have consistently denied that their client has done anything illegal, although they are reportedly trying to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors to head off his trial on the SunCruz fraud charges, which is scheduled to start next week. Kidan would be a key witness in such a trial.

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-uskid1227,0,2788305.story?coll=ny-linews-headlines

Works for me. I'm not rich, but I sleep very well each night.

From some guy named Bubba in block C

I really tried. But I can't do it.

I cannot feel sorry for this slug.