Ahhh ... a breath of fresh air from the Hill. A new scandal, finally ... and it has to do with money? How unusual.

This time, super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff -- who recently pleaded guilty to charges of fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials -- entered a plea agreement, which requires him to list everyone who acquired money from him.

In atypical fashion, this scandal is not a partisan but rather a widespread political issue.

Congressmen ranging from Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) have received money from Abramoff. The Associated Press reported that Santorum donated $11,000 connected to Abramoff to charity as result of the recent scandal. As of today, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) has not specified what he will do with his $6,000 of Abramoff-connected money. In addition to the Pennsylvania senators, other legislators have also donated portions of their monies to charity.

The problem now is discerning between those who are donating the funds to save themselves from those who are genuinely concerned about the issue.

The sudden change of heart by many elected officials comes not out of good conscience, but because they were caught redhanded. Rather than keep the money and continue to play dirty politics, they put up the good guy facades in weak attempts to retain public support.

Congress' newfound interest in lobbying reform seems to be a reactive rather than proactive measure. The attention it is currently giving this issue is in response to one incident and not to the more widespread problem.

Until a realistic course of action is taken to rid the American political system of the economic corruption that has become its trademark, activities such as these will continue to take place. The removal of money from politics may be a bit too idealistic at this point though, so don't hold your breath waiting for that one.