Jury convicts Tom DeLay in money laundering trial

[El Minion]

Jury convicts Tom DeLay in money laundering trial (http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-naw-tom-delay-convicted-20101125,0,6039683.story)


http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2010-11/57873784.jpg
Former House Majority Leader Tom Delay answers media questions during a break in jury selection in this October 26 file photo. (Jack Plunkett / Associated Press)

AUSTIN, Texas —
Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay -- once one of the most powerful and feared Republicans in Congress -- was convicted Wednesday on charges he illegally funneled corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002.

Jurors deliberated for 19 hours before returning guilty verdicts against DeLay on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He faces up to life in prison on the money laundering charge.

After the verdicts were read, DeLay hugged his daughter, Danielle, and his wife, Christine. There was no immediate comment from him or his attorneys.

Prosecutors said DeLay, who once held the No. 2 job in the House of Representatives and whose heavy-handed style earned him the nickname "the Hammer," used his political action committee to illegally channel $190,000 in corporate donations into 2002 Texas legislative races through a money swap.

DeLay and his attorneys maintained the former Houston-area congressman did nothing wrong as no corporate funds went to Texas candidates and the money swap was legal.

The verdict came after a three-week trial in which prosecutors presented more than 30 witnesses and volumes of e-mails and other documents. DeLay's attorneys presented five witnesses.

Prosecutors said DeLay conspired with two associates, John Colyandro and Jim Ellis, to use his Texas-based PAC to send $190,000 in corporate money to an arm of the Washington-based Republican National Committee, or RNC. The RNC then sent the same amount to seven Texas House candidates. Under Texas law, corporate money can't go directly to political campaigns.

Prosecutors claim the money helped Republicans take control of the Texas House. That enabled the GOP majority to push through a Delay-engineered congressional redistricting plan that sent more Texas Republicans to Congress in 2004 -- and strengthened DeLay's political power.

DeLay's attorneys argued the money swap resulted in the seven candidates getting donations from individuals, which they could legally use in Texas.

They also said DeLay only lent his name to the PAC and had little involvement in how it was run. Prosecutors, who presented mostly circumstantial evidence, didn't prove he committed a crime, they said.

DeLay has chosen to have Senior Judge Pat Priest sentence him. He faces five years to life in prison on the money laundering charge and two to 20 years on the conspiracy charge. He also would be eligible for probation.

The 2005 criminal charges in Texas, as well as a separate federal investigation of DeLay's ties to disgraced former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, ended his 22-year political career representing suburban Houston. The Justice Department probe into DeLay's ties to Abramoff ended without any charges filed against DeLay.

Ellis and Colyandro, who face lesser charges, will be tried later.

Except for a 2009 appearance on ABC's hit television show "Dancing With the Stars," DeLay has been out of the spotlight since resigning from Congress in 2006. He now runs a consulting firm based in the Houston suburb of Sugar Land.

Copyright © 2010, Los Angeles Times

[Requiem]

Tom DeLay has always been a crook. Huzzah!

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

:thumbsup:

No word from the right-wingers who used to defend this crook?

Go figure.

[Obushma]

Thank you jurors of Texas for delivering justice.

[ghwk]

About frigging time. Enjoy the a$$ raping you arrogant bugger.

[shakenbake]

I hope he goes away for a long time. We need to rid ourselves of this kind of politician and send a message to those who consider these types of activities in the future.

[cutthemdown]

Well it wasn't really money laundering it was illegal contributions and they used a clever way to get him. Off to jail for the crook though I could care less.

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

Well it wasn't really money laundering it was illegal contributions and they used a clever way to get him. Off to jail for the crook though I could care less.

::)

I knew it was only a matter of time until someone on the right came to "The Hammer's" defense.

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

http://www.bartcop.com/mo-beeyotch.jpg

[ghwk]

http://www.bartcop.com/mo-beeyotch.jpg

LOL! That's so wrong on so many levels. ROFL!

[Obushma]

http://www.bartcop.com/mo-beeyotch.jpg

Yeah right, he'll be living it up in some penthouse federal jail and it's bull****.

[Dukes]

Have fun in prison you crook.

[cutthemdown]

::)

I knew it was only a matter of time until someone on the right came to "The Hammer's" defense.

Not defending saying anything like that. Was pointing out that politicians better be careful now that courts can say hiding contributions is the same as drug dealers laundering money.

I just wish we could send all the DC crooks to jail, like Rangel along with him. I mean he cheated on taxes for most of of the last 10 yrs? For personal gain etc etc. But dems only want him reprimanded not put in prison.

[cutthemdown]

Also Delay will be safe in prison. No way they let Bubba have butt love with a former senate leader!!!

[cutthemdown]

Also there is a good chance to win on appeal because the democrats in that jurisdiction wanted him bad. The fact they didn't change venues could be a good point to appeal on.

Also the rumor running the rounds is that even at sentencing coming up there is no way he gets a superlong terms. Even the word probation is cropping up.

What Rangel did was just as bad and last I checked no dems want him to go to prison.

[frerottenextelway]

Also there is a good chance to win on appeal because the democrats in that jurisdiction wanted him bad. The fact they didn't change venues could be a good point to appeal on.

Also the rumor running the rounds is that even at sentencing coming up there is no way he gets a superlong terms. Even the word probation is cropping up.

What Rangel did was just as bad and last I checked no dems want him to go to prison.

When I saw u posted I knew it was going to be a "somebody else did something post". Btw, I posted a thread like 2 years ago on here about Rangel before it hit the headlines, but he has nothing to do with this anyways.

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

When I saw u posted I knew it was going to be a "somebody else did something post".

Exactly.

You can always count on a ditto monkey for a deflection and/or a false equivalence.

[BroncoBuff]

That's funny ... he looks so damned innocent.


http://wizbangblog.com/images/2005/10/delay_booking.jpg

[cutthemdown]

When I saw u posted I knew it was going to be a "somebody else did something post". Btw, I posted a thread like 2 years ago on here about Rangel before it hit the headlines, but he has nothing to do with this anyways.

Really did you miss the one where I said send him to prison? When I read the article though it sounded more like he took money and hid it because of a state law about contributions. Even the article states it was a new way of looking at money laundering. I read another article that said the novel approach this DA took left a lot of avenues for an appeal.

He could still win this and then you will all look silly.

Even if convicted he won't do much time because he did it less for personal money, and more for political power. He lost all his power so the judge will see that as some of the punishment. He doesn't have money he stole like Rangel so really this isn't even as bad.

Rangel, Waters, it's all relevent because it's all govt corruption for money or power.

Go ahead and want Delay put in prison. I for one don't think he is a threat and has already been punished by losing the ability to ever run for office again. He didn't get rich off this like Rangel was.

[cutthemdown]

Hell dems support sending Rangel back for more but want Delay to go to prison. Unbelievable you would want tax money to be used to house someone who isn't dangerous like Delay. Fine him, strip him of power, and don't vote for him again is plenty.

Oh but Rangel we will just send back to work in our govt?

[ghwk]

Hell dems support sending Rangel back for more but want Delay to go to prison. Unbelievable you would want tax money to be used to house someone who isn't dangerous like Delay. Fine him, strip him of power, and don't vote for him again is plenty.

Oh but Rangel we will just send back to work in our govt?

I'm a centrist Dem and I think Rangell should be strung up.

[cutthemdown]

I'm a centrist Dem and I think Rangell should be strung up.

The other dems in the house don't agree with you. They are saying just a censure and a slap on the wrist in plenty. Not one dem has uttered expulsion. But they want Delay to go to prison.

No one see's something wrong with one guy going to prison and the other going back to work?

[ghwk]

The other dems in the house don't agree with you. They are saying just a censure and a slap on the wrist in plenty. Not one dem has uttered expulsion. But they want Delay to go to prison.

No one see's something wrong with one guy going to prison and the other going back to work?

It's why I hate the hypocrisy in politics and on this board.

[frerottenextelway]

Hell dems support sending Rangel back for more but want Delay to go to prison. Unbelievable you would want tax money to be used to house someone who isn't dangerous like Delay. Fine him, strip him of power, and don't vote for him again is plenty.

Oh but Rangel we will just send back to work in our govt?

Well, this certainly proves me wrong!

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

Really did you miss the one where I said send him to prison?

Why would you want Hot Tub Tom to go to prison when you clearly believe that (a) what he did was not that big a deal, (b) his conviction was just the result of "clever" maneuvering by the prosecutors, and (c) his circumstances are somehow mitigated by the fact that some Democrat did something (comparable or not) unethical or illegal some time or other?

[cutthemdown]

Why would you want Hot Tub Tom to go to prison when you clearly believe that (a) what he did was not that big a deal, (b) his conviction was just the result of "clever" maneuvering by the prosecutors, and (c) his circumstances are somehow mitigated by the fact that some Democrat did something (comparable or not) unethical or illegal some time or other?

No he skirted state campaign laws and IMO the punishment should be no more being an elected official ever. If they want to send all these corrupt politicians to jail then I don't really have a problem with that. It's just that it seems silly to spend a ton to house them when they really aren't too dangerous. We have killers to house etc etc.

Maybe just probation and 10 thousand hours of community service would be a better punishment.

Now on to Rangel and Waters, you don't even really want them out of office right? At least I support Delay not being paid to be a politician anymore. I just dont really see him as a huge threat. Big fines, not being able to hold office again, tons of probation etc seem like better punishments. Maybe a yr in jail or something but 20 yrs? cmon!!

Meanwhile dems prepare to fight the waters ethics probe. Dems are going to get tons of investigations now that repubs have house. So basically it's rinse and repeat. Not that I agree with that. I think most of this stuff is to divert public attention and find scapegoats for everyone to hate. As soon as it heats up with Waters some dems will turn on her and start to feed right along with the repubs.

[cutthemdown]

Ok lets vote on it what is worst funneling money to a bank so your hubby doesn't lose money or taking contributions for corporations when your state law forbids that. Both of them lying the whole way through saying they did nothing wrong etc etc.

Delay did it to get money, to run elections, so he could gerrymander after and gain more power for republicans and himself.

Waters did it because she was afraid her husband would lose a bunch of money.

[cutthemdown]

Why would you want Hot Tub Tom to go to prison when you clearly believe that (a) what he did was not that big a deal, (b) his conviction was just the result of "clever" maneuvering by the prosecutors, and (c) his circumstances are somehow mitigated by the fact that some Democrat did something (comparable or not) unethical or illegal some time or other?

So how long do you think judge should give him?

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

No he skirted state campaign laws...

:oyvey:

If you're honestly laboring under the belief that this is all DeLay did then maybe you should come back here after you get your facts straight.

Now on to Rangel and Waters...

More deflection and false equivalences.

Figures.

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

So how long do you think judge should give him?

The maximum sentence.

[Popcorn Sutton]

Is this how they do it in Texas? LOL

The current highest ranking member in Congress seems to think it's okay to pass out checks from Tobacco companies on the floor of the House. Now, we have Tom Delay who is a convicted criminal and has close ties with a current polling favorite of the GOP Newt Gingrich. Both who have ties to another convicted criminal Jack Abramoff.


ABRAMOFF KNOWN TO BE CLOSEST TO GINGRICH: "Few lobbyists in Washington are closer to House power brokers Newt Gingrich and Tom DeLay than Abramoff." [Source: Washingtonian, 12/98]

ABRAMOFF REGULARLY TOUTED HIS PROXIMITY TO GINGRICH & USED IT TO WIELD POWER: "In these capacities and through his work on political campaigns and grassroots efforts with organizations such as the Republican National Committee, the Christian Coalition, and the National Jewish Coalition, Abramoff developed and maintains strong ties to Speaker Newt Gingrich, Majority Leader Dick Armey, Majority Whip Tom Delay and Republican Policy Committee Chairman Chris Cox and their staffs." [Source: Preston, Gates & Ellis Press Release, 12/30/94]

ABRAMOFF & GINGRICH WORKED CLOSELY ON THE K STREET PROJECT: "Jack Abramoff, a lobbyist here who is close to Mr. Gingrich, said House Republicans were watching very closely to see whether lobbyists were making more than a token effort to help Republicans stay in power." [Source: New York Times, 3/20/95]

K STREET SAW ABRAMOFF AS THEIR BRIDGE TO GINGRICH: "The GOP victories in 1994 transformed [Abramoff] into a valuable asset as law firms recruited activists with connections to the new Gingrich team." [Source: National Journal, 7/29/95]

How do you trust any politician these days?

[cutthemdown]

The maximum sentence.

So you will be upset when he gets 1 yr and some probation huh? ..........good i like it when you are upset.

We all know the beating the dems took after you proclaimed repubs dead for a decade is killing you. Wait until 2 more years when dems lose bad again.

Oh and Delay has some good legal points to appeal on he could end up winning this thing.

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

So you will be upset when he gets 1 yr and some probation huh? ......

You asked me how much time I thought the judge should give DeLay - not how much time I expected Bug Boy to get.

Distinctions: They are a b*tch, eh? :wave:


....good i like it when you are upset.

I guess that would explain, in part, your support for GOP crooks whose criminal conduct would upset any person of conscience (not that you would recognize the latter.)

We all know the beating the dems took after you proclaimed repubs dead for a decade is killing you.

"We," eh?

This sort of bandwagon appeal usually means you don't feel secure enough about your claims to stand on your own two feet behind them.

In any event, I find it hard to believe you could be so uninformed as to interpret the election results as a sign of some sort of republican resurgence (as opposed to the Democratic base staying home, another instance of the Dems' special gift for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, etc.)

Wait until 2 more years when dems lose bad again.

That you would bank on this only underscores your ignorance and naivete.

If the economy doesn't improve (or if it get worse) then it will more than likely be another "throw the bums out" election for the GOP Congress in 2012.

As for the WH, who do the repukes have for 2012? Palin? Ha!

Even Mike Huckabee acknowledged that it would be foolish for the rethugs to assume Obama is going to be a one-term president at this stage of the game insofar as the political pendulum has been swinging rapidly back and forth in just the last few years.

A lot can change in two years.

[Odysseus]

He probably gets two years probation and a walk.

Republicans are being humble and trying not to make the same mistakes they made when they got Clinton his second term.

[cutthemdown]

If the economy gets better LABF the repubs in house take credit. If the economy doesn't get better we blame Obama. Either way way repubs have a way to go strategy wise.

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

http://www.bartcop.com/gop-convictions-2010.jpg

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

http://www.bartcop.com/delay-guilty-cookiejar.jpg

[cutthemdown]

Delay sentenced to 3 yrs prison, 10 yrs probation.

[Rohirrim]

Three years. Ha! Couldn't happen to a nicer POS. :rofl:

[Pony Boy]

If you're honestly laboring under the belief that this is all DeLay did then maybe you should come back here after you get your facts straight.


Come on..."Everyone deserves a second chance", that was President Obama’s message when he called Michael Vick. Once the three years are up for Tom DeLay, Obama needs to make that call and remember what Obama said
"it’s rarely a level playing field for prisoners once they leave jail".

[JJJ]

Throw away the key on the little bastard. Can't stand corrupt politicians.

[BroncoBuff]

Surprised he got that much, but it's a good sign.

Now, when do we indict Karl Rove for his daily violations of the Hatch Act?

[Spider]

Come on..."Everyone deserves a second chance", that was President Obama’s message when he called Michael Vick. Once the three years are up for Tom DeLay, Obama needs to make that call and remember what Obama said
"it’s rarely a level playing field for prisoners once they leave jail".

Key part is ........... Out of Jail ....... of course Delays deserves a second chance , but he has to pay his debt ........ Judge found 3 years and 10 years of Probation, a just sentence for the crime , after he does his time , then yes 2 nd chance

[BroncoLifer]

Surprised he got that much, but it's a good sign.

Now, when do we indict Karl Rove for his daily violations of the Hatch Act?

Probably right after Al Gore's trial for the same.

[Smiling Assassin27]

If you've read much about this case, then you probably know that the chances of this conviction being tossed on appeal are fair to good.

[Pony Boy]

Key part is ........... Out of Jail ....... of course Delays deserves a second chance , but he has to pay his debt ........ Judge found 3 years and 10 years of Probation, a just sentence for the crime , after he does his time , then yes 2 nd chance

What to hell did you get for Christmas a bottle of "nice pills" ? ;D

[Bronco Yoda]

He will see no jail time. It will be tied up in appeals for years. In the end he'll get off. Just wait and see.

[Pony Boy]

Maybe Obama will grant him a pardon?

Remember Bill Clinton pardoned 456 people during his presidency and on January 20, 2001, he pardoned 140 people in the final hours of his presidency.

The List:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_pardoned_by_Bill_Clinton

My favorite on the list...Arnold Paul Prosperi - Florida attorney, tax fraud, managed Clinton's 1967 campaign for student-council president

Oh and yes, so did George Bush he pardond 189 during his prisidency

[Spider]

What to hell did you get for Christmas a bottle of "nice pills" ? ;D

with white crosses on the top

[BroncoBuff]

with white crosses on the top

Now THAT'S a long-haul trucker post! :~ohyah!:

[TonyR]

...that was President Obama’s message when he called Michael Vick...

Just fyi Obama didn't call Vick. He was speaking to Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie about their "green stadium" initiative ( http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/gogreen/ ) and at some point he casually brought up Vick. This story was relayed to SI's Peter King who reported it. Then you righties twisted the story and tried to use it for political gain.

If you don't believe me, maybe you'll believe your beloved Fox News.

http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/12/27/president-obama-talks-vick-still-loves-his-bears

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

Just fyi Obama didn't call Vick. He was speaking to Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie about their "green stadium" initiative ( http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/gogreen/ ) and at some point he casually brought up Vick. This story was relayed to SI's Peter King who reported it. Then you righties twisted the story and tried to use it for political gain.

If you don't believe me, maybe you'll believe your beloved Fox News.

http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/12/27/president-obama-talks-vick-still-loves-his-bears

Phony Boy busted repeating a lie once again.

That's the only way republicans can stay relevant.

[Spider]

Now THAT'S a long-haul trucker post! :~ohyah!:

:thumbsup: i was wondering who was going to get it ........... I almost said , Robin eggs , black beauties , 357's ,Xmas trees ;D

[orinjkrush]

hope delay finds mohammed in the slammer.

thats where he should be.

[Spider]

He probably gets two years probation and a walk.

Republicans are being humble and trying not to make the same mistakes they made when they got Clinton his second term.

;D hey Bro whats been happin ? Been working my ass off , put in 102 hours last week .......

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

hope Mohammad finds Delay in the slammer.



Fixed, and check! :thumbsup:

http://www.bartcop.com/mo-beeyotch.jpg

[Odysseus]

Throw away the key on the little bastard. Can't stand corrupt politicians.

The problem is most people do not know the corrupt ones even if you point it out clearly.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1337220/Are-politicians-corrupt-Survey-shows-think-so.html

Apparently this is a global issue and it will get worst before it gets better.

[ant1999e]

Fixed, and check! :thumbsup:

http://www.bartcop.com/mo-beeyotch.jpg

Why's it gotta be a black guy?

[cutthemdown]

why's it gotta be a black guy?

Because LABF thinks most people in prison who rape are black.

[cutthemdown]

People act like Delay tried to make extra for his personal account like Rangel and Waters have done. Really he was just trying to raise money and strengthen his political advantage in the state. At least when Repubs cheat and steal they don't throw cash from kickbacks into freezers or use bank bailout money to save there hubbies investments.

[orinjkrush]

Why's it gotta be a black guy?

cause its Delays worst nightmare.

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

Because LABF thinks most people in prison who rape are black.

Projections like these certainly tell us a lot about you (nothing we didn't already know in this instance.)

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

cause its Delays worst nightmare.

Ding ding ding! :yep:

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

http://www.bartcop.com/delay-jail-dancing.jpg