http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/09/29/5077.aspx Along with his committee's report, House Government Reform chair Tom Davis (R) released a statement last night "portraying Abramoff’s efforts to lobby the Bush administration as largely ineffective," Roll Call says.  "Davis also pointed out thaten-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/09/29/5077.aspx#5098Fri, 29 Sep 2006 17:04:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:5098tired of the hype; Salem, MAAcess to the White house by influence peddlers and powerborkers w/ big bucks has been common place since the inception of the Executive Branch. But, here in 2006 america, many folks seem so surprised of the Abramoff mess, that this is the first time it ever occured. The White house and Executive Branch get deluged, just like Congress, on a regular basis by special interests groups, all seeking some deal or advantage. This is the norm in any type of government in the world. Even dictators have those trying to gain influence! The problem is that Congress writes the laws that give the moneypeddlers the access and they are not willing to cut of the free perks, etc, plus the cash that somehow ends up in their election coffers. Quit focusing on influence peddling and start looking at economic issues, enviromental issues, how to reoslve the mess in the Middle East, how to stop the CARNAGE at our public shools....., etc, etc, etc. For the sake of the future of this nation!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/09/29/5077.aspx#5171Sat, 30 Sep 2006 18:49:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:5171Olivia Elizabeth Burdon, Peoria, Ill.Regarding Rep. Foley....where's Ken Starr when we need him?