Abramoff lobbies for early release
Letters filed with court describe former lobbyist as a humbled, changed man
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26444384/WASHINGTON - It used to be, when Jack Abramoff needed something, he had an address book full of powerful Capitol Hill contacts to call on, people he plied with expensive meals, campaign contributions and golf junkets.
Now that the disgraced lobbyist is asking people to stand by his side while he seeks a reduction in his prison sentence, the list of supporters has changed. The congressmen, Bush administration figures and aides have given way to family members, friends and religious leaders.
Defense attorneys filed 95 letters in court Wednesday night as part of a bid to get Abramoff out of prison early. They describe him as a humbled, changed man whose family is suffering and nearly broke after his first 18 months in prison.
In 2006, Abramoff began serving nearly six years for a fraudulent Florida casino deal. On top of that, he faces about 11 years in prison when he is sentenced on corruption charges next week in Washington.