Rep. Richard Pombo (R-CA), fighting a tougher-than-anticipated re-election battle, is getting hammered on his ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, as this analysis of our new ad and the activities of another group shows the growing demand for answers about Pombo's relationship with the influence-peddler and his involvement with Abramoff's Marianas Islands activity.

Rep. Richard Pombo, already under scrutiny for taking $7,500 in campaign contributions from convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff may face further difficulty with the revelation that Abramoff billed his clients for two seperate contacts with the Congressman - who has said (and continues to say) Abramoff never lobbied him personally.

Rep. Richard Pombo (R-CA) has received $1.4 million in campaign contributions from agribusiness for his Congressional races. He is also the co-sponsor of legislation that would gut state food safety laws. Something smells a little sour to me...

Fresh attention is focused on Reps. Richard Pombo and John Doolittle, whose re-election chances are inching towards uncertain territory as their opponents emphasize their relationships with Jack Abramoff and question their dedication to the needs of their constituents in light of their dealings with the disgraced lobbyist.

An interesting (if alarming) companion piece to the Brent Wilkes profile below is this article from the Los Angeles Times about the "Triangle Trade" between six California congressman, business interests, and well-connected lobbyists.

This post is part the first installment of a new series that will explore the favors that lawmakers already under an ethical cloud for various lobbying and money and politics scandals give to their biggest contributors. Today's focus: Rep. Richard Pombo.