Silicon Money: Perks For Capitol Hill

AP reports: “Disgraced former lobbyist Jack Abramoff was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison in a Florida fraud case, the minimum sentence allowed.”

And the Senate Works Toward Lobbying Changes.

In related news, CNET reports: “Las Vegas’ posh Bellagio resort is home to five bars, seven “fine dining” restaurants and fountains gushing choreographed displays set to music every evening.”

It also was home to a cross section of Capitol Hill last year: 13 congressmen, two senators and 65 congressional staffers, plus some spouses and children, got a free trip to the luxury resort, thanks to a technology lobbying group.

The Consumer Electronics Association, a trade group with $81.4 million in assets and a $48.3 million annual budget, footed the bill for the trips to the Consumer Electronics Show. Its members include such large companies as Best Buy, Denon, Kenwood, Samsung Electronics, Royal Philips Electronics and Apple Computer. [More]

Remember the old saying: It’s only illegal if you get caught.

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