In the spring of 2004, as he neared the end of his reign as a Washington superlobbyist, “casino” Jack Abramoff became engrossed in some appropriate reading material. He carefully read the true-crime memoir “American Roulette: How I Turned the Odds Upside Down – My Wild Twenty-Five-Year Ride Ripping Off the World’s Casinos.” The book, a raw glimpse into the underworld of professional casino cheaters, elicited praise from Abramoff: “It was really an entertaining read.”The book’s author, Richard Marcus, whose Web site touts his services as a criminal analyst, said: “I’ve seen guys like Abramoff all of my life – a very sharp guy who ruined himself – threw away all of his talents through pure unchecked greed.”
Conservatives set sights on Allen
The conservatives are certainly behind Virginia Sen. George Allen, if their invitation to him to be the keynote speaker for the Ronald Reagan Banquet at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference – to be held Feb. 10 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel – is any indication. And yes, he accepted.
Press peeved at Jeb
Buzz doubts that even the nosiest of gossips in Washington would listen through an open door to hear Florida Gov. Jeb Bush speak to party activists. But that’s exactly what reporters did in Tallahassee the other day after they were banned from the governor’s speech. Hotel security staff and a sheriff’s deputy tossed the pressies out. That certainly doesn’t make for friendly press relations when you’re governor – and, of course, first brother.
Major-league fundraiser
Ward 3 Council Member Kathleen Patterson‘s Monday morning fundraiser for her council chairman campaign at the law offices of former Democratic National Chairman Chuck Manatt (Manatt, Phelps & Phillips) and sponsored by D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams and John Ray, the top local lobbyist for Major League Baseball, kept folks buzzing since it came on the heels of her turnaround announcement that she’d support the stadium boondoggle. Some wondered whether she traded her vote, and others whispered that she should recuse herself during the upcoming vote on the lease agreement for the new baseball stadium.
Raves for ‘Two Queens’
Carolyn Griffin, the dynamic MetroStage producing artistic director, has brought a compelling musical with an important message to Alexandria. Theater lovers are raving about “Two Queens One Castle.” The story told through pop/gospel is based on a true down-low experience in the life of Oscar nominee and singer/composer Jevetta Steele (“Baghdad Cafe”), who said last weekend that she’s still “angry.” Cast member Tracy McMullan calls the show “redemptive.” TC Carson, who plays Kyle in “Living Single,” is terrific in the role of Husband, as is the rest of the exceptional cast. It plays through March 5 at MetroStage.
Attention job hunters
The following non-paying job opening has been circulating on the Internet from on the official U.S. House of Representatives Job Vacancy listing:
Congressman Bob Ney, R-Ohio, has openings for spring interns in his Washington office. Duties include investigating constituent requests, drafting correspondence, answering telephones, entering data, greeting visitors, giving tours of the Capitol, working closely with other Capitol Hill offices, assisting press/legislative/administrative staff, attending hearings and aiding the congressman directly. A qualified candidate must have exceptional communication, computer, and administrative skills and be detail-oriented. Ohio ties are a strong plus. Energetic self-starters looking for hands-on experience are encouraged to apply to this fast-paced office.
‘Great balls of fire’
Sightings: TV personalities Tim Russert and Roger Cossack watching “Killer” Jerry Lee Lewis perform at Strathmore on Friday evening … An aging Lewis on stage for an encore with his signature cigar and then lighting up in the no-smoking area backstage.