Oddly, or not, I haven't been hearing a lot about Democratic hearings investigating Abramoff's various affairs. (Wampum, of course, has been all over this story, which, among other things, involves the theft of billions of dollars by oil companies. Not to mention the slavery, prostitution, and forced abortions in the Northern Marianas, clients of Our Jack).

Then, there's also the McCain [genuflects] angle. Kossack dengre reminds us:

When the Abramoff scandal broke on Feb. 22, 2004 in the pages of the Washington Post, it was clear that there would be an investigation. It was a jump ball. If nobody stood up to the task in the GOP controlled Congress, the pressure for a special prosecutor would become intense and it was the beginning of an election year. This had to be controlled.  

Enter John McCain, the GOP Maverick.

He was the perfect guy to shape the narrative. Abramoff became a rogue lobbyist who took advantage of his GOP pals to rip off some casinos.

McCain converted the scandal into Hollywood "heist/caper" film, knowing that American prejudices against Native Americans and tribal casinos would help hide the damning details of the Abramoff scandal.

Jack’s role as a 25-year bagman for the GOP: hidden.

Jack’s close working relationship with the Bush White House: hidden.

Jack’s close working relationship with the Republican Congressional Leadership: hidden.

Jack’s role in dirty tricks and off-the-books money for the GOP: hidden.

Jack’s role in Medicare reform: hidden.

Jack’s role energy policy: hidden.

McCain actively controlled the story. He ensured that it was a not a factor in the 2004 election. He ensured that voters would not know about how closely Abramoff, Rove and Bush worked together

Now, it is possible that Jefferson is the only Democrat who has ethical challenges at all. And it's also possible that no Democrats came anywhere near Abramoff, or had a hand in any of the scams he was working. (The K-Street project was designed to do just that, after all.)

Nevertheless, I'd feel a lot more comfortable that the Dems had nothing to do with Abramoff if some hearings were to be scheduled; which would also have the admirable and beneficial result of, say, making Willard Mitt Romney the Republican nominee, instead of [genuflects] McCain.

NOTE Is anyone else starting to find McCain's voice annoying on the radio? I am.