Brasília – Since the middle of last year the Brazilian political scene has been mostly dominated by a scandal that is known as the "Big Monthly Allowance" ("Mensalão"), a slush fund operated by an adman, Marcos Valério, and the former treasurer of the Workers Party (Partido dos Trabalhadores) (PT), Delúbio Soares, which paid a sort of monthly allowance to some members of Congress so they would vote with the government. A lot of people received payments through what is called the Valerioduct. But no one admits that the payments were a monthly allowance; rather all the accused say they were getting money to pay off campaign debts. That would make any wrongdoing an electoral crime; in other words, a misdemeanor.

So far nineteen members of Congress have been accused in the case. Here is a rundown on what has happened to them up to the moment.

Expelled:
José Dirceu (PT-SP)
Roberto Jefferson (PTB-RJ)
Pedro Correa (PP-PE)

Resigned to escape punishment:
Bispo Rodrigues (PL-RJ)
Valdemar Costa Neto (PL-SP)
Paulo Rocha (PT-PA)
José Borba (PMDB-PR)

Absolved:
Sandro Mabel (PL-GO)
Romeu Queiroz (PTB-MG)
Roberto Brant (PFL-MG)
Professor Luizinho (PT-SP)
João Magno (PT-MG)
Pedro Henry (PP-MT)
Wanderval Santos (PL-SP)

Awaiting a floor vote:
João Paulo Cunha (PT-SP)

Awaiting a decision by the Ethics Council:
José Mentor (PT-SP)
José Janene (PP-PR)
Josias Gomes (PT-BA)
Vadão Gomes (PP-SP)

Translation: Allen Bennett