Jury Convicts DeLay in Money-Laundering Trial

[Rheo]

WSJ:

AUSTIN, Texas—Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay was convicted of money laundering in state district court here Wednesday, making it likely that the once-powerful political warrior will end his career behind bars.

The jury found Mr. DeLay, 63, knowingly funneled $190,000 in corporate donations to fellow Republicans running for the Texas legislature in 2002, violating state rules that ban companies from contributing to candidates' campaigns.

He was convicted on one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 99 years, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which has a penalty of up to 20 years.

[Sabre86]

This was nothing but a political show trial, started by one of the most partisan political hacks in Texas history, Ronnie Earl. He never even expected it to go to trial, just to force Delay out of Congress. And since it was in Travis County, Delay never stood a chance. Travis is a liberal cancer on the State of Texas. From several reports, the jury foreperson was a female Greenpeace activist with the total jury being comprised of 6 Democrats, 1 Republican, 3 Liberal Independents and 2 "Moderate" Independents. With a stacked jury like this, no one with a ® by their name could win, which is just what Ronnie Earl and his hack successor wanted. Even more egregious, Delay could go to jail for life, a terrorist who killed over 200 people might get 20 years.

[AceRimmer]

Travis is a liberal cancer on the State of Texas.

 

True, but 6th Street is a great place to go partying. Having been to both, it's a little less wild than Bourbon Street(Mardi Gras is a whole different story) in N'Awlins, but it's much cleaner, and doesn't reek of urine and vomit.

 

As for DeLay, he never had a chance in Austin, aka the San Francisco of Texas.

[SrWoodchuck]

This was nothing but a political show trial, started by one of the most partisan political hacks in Texas history, Ronnie Earl. He never even expected it to go to trial, just to force Delay out of Congress. And since it was in Travis County, Delay never stood a chance. Travis is a liberal cancer on the State of Texas. From several reports, the jury foreperson was a female Greenpeace activist with the total jury being comprised of 6 Democrats, 1 Republican, 3 Liberal Independents and 2 "Moderate" Independents. With a stacked jury like this, no one with a ® by their name could win, which is just what Ronnie Earl and his hack successor wanted. Even more egregious, Delay could go to jail for life, a terrorist who killed over 200 people might get 20 years.

Sabre86!

 

I followed this way back when Ronnie Earl got the first indictment in 2005 [?] and then it was tossed, and then another grand jury a few years later, returned a "no-bill" against Delay. Third time was a charm I guess.

 

He's like a "Lone Democratic Avenging Angel".......at least in his own mind. He prosecuted Kay Baley Hutchinson for a few years, with those cases tossed, and another Texas legislator that I can't remember what happened, but he's an original hazard & impediment.

 

I think he even prosecuted himself once, for some minor infraction.......what a loon.

 

If Tom Delay did something wrong, he should pay up.....if not, then Godspeed to justice, and I hope his appeal is heard and accepted......or that the punishment at least fits the crime.

 

Remember this is the state that still has a complete loon & criminal, Sheila Jackson Lee, as a representative.

[Sabre86]

The Texas Legislature MUST take this power away from the Travis County DA and put it back where it belongs, the Attorney General's Office.

[Sanguine]

I wonder if there was no option for a change of venue? It would be hard, not impossible, to pick a fair jury in Austin.

[Sabre86]

I wonder if there was no option for a change of venue? It would be hard, not impossible, to pick a fair jury in Austin.

Judge denied it.