One down, so many more to go

The "Duke" becomes the first to fall in the GOP corruption machine.

A somber-looking Cunningham stood in court with his hands clasped in front of him, answering the judge's questions with a muted "Yes, your honor," or, at times, "Yes, sir."

"Between the year 2000 and June of 2005 in our district, you conspired to accept bribes in exchange for performance of official duties. Did you do that?" Judge Burns asked Cunningham.

"Yes, your honor," Cunningham replied.

"Did you take both cash payments and payments in kind?"

"Yes, your honor," the congressman said.

"Did you follow up by trying to influence the Defense Department?"

"Yes, your honor."

Cunningham faces a potential sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of nearly $500,000 as well as forfeiture of unspecified amounts of cash and property. Prosecutors said it will be up to the judge to determine his punishment.

Cunningham was released on his own recognizance and left the courtroom by a side door to be photographed and fingerprinted.

U.S. Attorney Carol Lam, whose office is prosecuting the case, said in a news conference that the facts Cunningham admitted in his plea agreement show "this was a crime of unprecedented magnitude and extraordinary audacity."

When this is all over, Cunningham's actions may not prove so extraordinary after all.