Once we get past the politics, we can see that the Abramoff affair is about gambling. More specifically, about the influence of money donations on legislation controlling the gaming industry.

In the Florida case, Abramoff was not convicted for bribery. He was found guilty of falsifying documents pertaining to a loan. That loan's money bought him and his business partner a fleet go gambling boats (or "floating casinos") worth $145 million dollars.

Abramoff and his law firm made campaign contributions on behalf of Indian Casinos. Not all of the money came from him personally. It also was delivered through the law firm, the Indian tribes or through shills who will be hard to connect directly to the source of the money.

The people to look at closely for a 'quid pro qou' are federal legislators on commiteees dealing with gaming and Indian affairs. Granting an Indian casino to tribe for pay is corruption. Cancelling an Indian casino after a competing tribe pays you to do so is also corruption. Look for politicians in states whe Indian gaming is growing, such as California. Also look into people in Nevada and New Jersey where gaming is a lucrative industry.