Kevin Ring, an associate of imprisoned former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, was treated with more preference than other lobbyists, said John Albaugh, former chief of staff to former Rep. Ernest Istook, R-Okla., in testimony today at Ring's trial.

An analysis of highway funding requests in 2003 to the transportation subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, which Istook chaired, revealed that 83 percent of requests lobbied for by Ring were fulfilled, compared to 33 percent of all requests, Albaugh said.

He responded in the positive when asked if he "did things for Ring" that he did not do for any other lobbyists. Albaugh also said that he took action on issues "not based on merit" as a direct result of his relationship with Ring.

Albaugh pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud last year. His testimony is part of his cooperation with the Department of Justice's investigation, and his sentencing is expected in the next few months, said his attorney, Jeffrey Jacobovitz.

Albaugh's testimony will continue this afternoon.