By Kenneth R. Bazinet, The New York Daily News, May 9, 2006

10 May 2006 // Secret Service logs set for release today should reveal some of convicted ex-lobbyist Jack Abramoff's White House connections, according to conservative group Judicial Watch.

As part of a court-sanctioned deal, the Secret Service will hand over to Judicial Watch records expected to show when Abramoff was at the White House, how long he was there, and who signed him in for the visit.

Abramoff is the linchpin in a federal grand jury investigation into corruption and influence-peddling that stretches from Congress to the White House.

So far, a half-dozen current and ex-government employees have been indicted. But while the focus is now on top GOP congressmen, the Secret Service logs could put the heat on Team Bush.

The records may show which White House offices Abramoff visited, though they probably won't list everyone Abramoff met with while there, said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.

"We're not sure what we will get. In terms of how many visits, who knows?" Fitton said. "But there may be something interesting in there."

A Bush loyalist told the Daily News: "There are a bunch of visits, [but] he didn't get into the West Wing very often."

President Bush's outgoing spokesman Scott McClellan cryptically cautioned reporters there might be records beyond what the Secret Service maintains, but he has refused to elaborate.

Taking on the Bushies may seem odd for a right-wing outfit that made a name for itself by dogging President Bill Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky and Paula Jones scandals.

But in one of the best makeovers Washington has seen, Judicial Watch is now an odd-couple ally with the left-wing Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. The liberal legal watchdog also is suing the Secret Service for related records involving a half dozen of Abramoff's associates.

"We're serious when we say we're anti-corruption," Fitton said, explaining the zeal with which he has taken on the White House over the Abramoff scandal.

Still, Judicial Watch hasn't completely shed its anti-Clinton image. It is now running a project called "Hillary Watch 2006," monitoring the New York Democrat's campaign contributions and government-funded travel.

"We still think [the Clintons] are corrupt politicians and they need to be held accountable," Fitton said.