from
McClatchy, of course.
WASHINGTON — Two top aides of Rep. John Doolittle, R-Calif., have been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury in connection with the ongoing investigation into the congressman's relationship with jailed lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
The subpoenas raise new questions about the federal investigation. Both aides joined Doolittle's staff after Abramoff's glory days as the star Republican lobbyist in Washington, D.C., had fizzled into a searing tale of political corruption involving gross overcharges of Indian tribes, political manipulation and shuffling of large amounts of cash.
Doolittle, who had risen as high as fourth in the GOP hierarchy when Republicans were in control of the House and was a close ally of former Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas, said he hoped his aides' testimony brings to a speedy end the investigation that has been dogging him for three years.
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The subpoenas announced Tuesday could be an indication that federal prosecutors have questions about more recent activities involving the congressman. After Julie Doolittle ended her work with Abramoff, she began raising money for her husband's political action committee and then his campaign committee. She was paid a commission of 15 cents for every dollar she raised.
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