Document: Influence sought

The Clarion-Ledger, 1/30/9

Jailed former lobbyist Jack Abramoff and two associates may have singled out a former aide to Mississippi Republican Sen. Thad Cochran to receive gifts in hopes of influencing legislation that would favor their clients.

A federal court document known as a bill of information says the men tried to give gifts to a legislative assistant in the Senate, described as “Staffer E,” who was in a position to help with legislation benefiting the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, a client.

An attorney with knowledge of the case, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, said “Staffer E” is Ann Copland, a former aide to Mississippi Republican Sen. Thad Cochran.