Abscam Figure Will Not Seek Election to House

Former U.S. Rep John W. Jenrette Jr., who was convicted eight years ago in the federal Abscam investigation, announced Wednesday that he will not seek his former congressional seat in this year’s elections.

Jenrette, calling it “one of the most painful decisions I have ever had to make,” said he will not be a candidate because of his inability to settle legal claims arising from former business deals. He also said a federal judge has declined to terminate his parole for his Abscam conviction.

Jenrette, a Democrat who represented the 6th District for six years, was convicted in October, 1980, of conspiracy and accepting a $50,000 bribe from an FBI agent posing as an Arab sheik.