A perfect storm is brewing in Washington, D.C., with one story of lobbyist abuses developing at the same time as new revelations of a Texas congressman's wretched excesses of luxury-level travel and entertaining, all in search of — and paid by — political contributions.

If voter outrage materializes, as it should, it is possible that most members of Congress will steer clear of over-the-top lobbyists and skip pricey junkets to luxury resorts.

The mixture of big money and politics continues to produce disturbing reports, despite recent attempts to toughen campaign- finance rules. Minimizing the impact of money on politics and policy requires ethical lawmakers. And while most men and women in Congress are no doubt ethical, the culture of trading favors for money — and thus boosting the already high probability of re-election — still appears to lure too many lawmakers as they become immersed in the Washington culture.

Just as the corporate abuses of Enron, Tyco, WorldCom and Adelphia created negative publicity that pressured boardrooms and CEOs to clean up their acts, so might the latest Washington scandals send cleansing shock waves through Congress.

News reports indicate that infamous Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff is close to a plea deal in return for full cooperation with federal investigators. Abramoff made headlines when it was revealed he and his business partner charged some $80 million in fees by playing two rival Indian tribes against one another over casino gambling.

Abramoff and his partner, according to public court papers, "provided a stream of things of value to public officials in exchange for a series of official acts." That certainly sounds like a good definition of bribery — and the fallout could spread far and wide.

Many of the members of Congress who accepted money from Abramoff have begun returning the funds. But, it's too late for that, and there is hope that as the investigation and scandal widen, more than a few lawmakers will take a fall — either in the courts or at the voting booth.

A former aide to ex-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, has already pleaded guilty and is cooperating with prosecutors. And it is DeLay's continuing legal problems that provide another picture worthy of voter outrage.

In recent years, DeLay has led a life of luxury, financed by money and gifts from lobbyists and special interests. Documents reviewed by the Associated Press reveal that DeLay has enjoyed 48 visits to luxury golf courses and resorts. He has taken 100 flights on corporate jets, booked 200 stays at fancy hotels and been treated to 500 meals, averaging $200 for two.

Various political and fund-raising entities controlled by DeLay have spent more than $1 million in the past six years for luxury travel and entertainment. An attorney for DeLay defended the congressman by saying, "Raising political money costs money." He continued to explain that DeLay must travel far and wide in order to raise political funds.

Though DeLay's behavior appears to be an extreme case, other members of Congress travel the same circuit of luxury resorts, golf courses and four-star restaurants.

No doubt DeLay's excesses will be characterized by political foes as part of a GOP culture of corruption resulting from being in power too long. But few in Congress are untouched by lobbyists' favors or travel and entertainment funded by corporations or interest groups.

Despite voters being somewhat numb to Washington scandals involving trading money for political favors, the obscene and excessive details of the DeLay and Abramoff stories might do more to clean up Washington than any legislative effort at passing laws, which always contain loopholes for creative politicians, consultants and lobbyists.

— J.L.W.III