21.   Lay was a man with unrivaled access to Washington policy-makers, who met privately on energy policy with Vice President Dick Cheney last spring.

22.   Lay is a friend of the president, and the company has contributed large amounts to his campaign and those of several congressional members.

23.   Lay was in contact with top administration officials while his company was collapsing last fall, the White House disclosed Thursday.

24.   Lay was also close to the former President Bush.