Well, it's a start

The AP reports:

Ryan donates Abramoff contribution to charities

WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan said Wednesday he donated to charity a $949 campaign contribution he received from lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Abramoff pleaded guilty in federal court in Washington on Tuesday to mail fraud, conspiracy and tax evasion charges. As part of a plea agreement, he agreed to tell investigators about alleged bribes to lawmakers and their aides in a wide-ranging inquiry involving the lobbyist.

Ryan, R-Wis., said in a statement he donated the contribution to USO Operation Phone Home, which provides calling cards for soldiers to call home from abroad, and to the Bert Blain Memorial American Heart Association Heart Walk, held in Rock County, Wis.

In the campaign statement, Ryan said he does not know Abramoff personally.

"I am disgusted by the reports I have read regarding Jack Abramoff's actions," Ryan said. "He should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Now, if Ryan could just quit making phony excuses and give back the $25,000 from tom DeLay's political action committee, we'd be getting somewhere.