By John Bresnahan, The Politico

January 31, 2007

Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., who has attracted the attention of federal prosecutors thanks to his close relationship with a former lawmaker-turned-lobbyist, continues to shell out big bucks to his lawyers.

Lewis’ latest campaign filing with the Federal Election Commission, which covers the period up until Dec. 31, shows nearly $45,000 in payments to the law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.

All told, Lewis has paid out more than $893,000 to his lawyers during the last six months of 2006. The California Republican still has better than $808,000 in cash in his campaign account, according to his FEC report.

FBI agents and the Justice Department are looking into Lewis’ dealings with former Rep. Bill Lowery, R-Calif., a partner in the now-defunct lobbying firm of Copeland, Lowery, Jacquez, Denton & White. Lewis helped the lobbying firm’s clients obtain hundreds of millions of dollars in spending earmarks.

Media reports have also linked Lewis to Brent Wilkes, a California defense contractor implicated in the multi-million dollar bribery cheme that brought down imprisoned ex-Rep. Duke Cunningham, R-Calif. The North Country Times, a Crypt favorite, reported on Tuesday that the U.S. Attorney’s office in San Diego is close to seeking an indictment of Wilkes.

Lewis and his legal team have insisted that the veteran lawmaker, the ranking member on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has not engaged in any unethical or improper behavior.