AP: Donors Fund Luxury Lifestyle for Delay

[JPZenger]

http://famulus.msnbc.com/famulusgen/ap12-20-104538.asp?t=apnew&vts=122020051049

"Over the past six years, former House majority leader Delay and his associates have visited places of luxury most Americans have never seen, often getting there aboard corporate jets arranged by lobbyists and other special interests.

Public documents reviewed by The AP tell the story: at least 48 visits to golf clubs and resorts with lush fairways; 100 flights aboard company planes; 200 stays at hotels, many world-class; and 500 meals at restaurants, some averaging nearly $200 for a dinner for two. Instead of his personal expense, the meals and trips for DeLay and his associates were paid with donations collected by the campaign committees, political action committees and children's charity the Texas Republican created during his rise to the top of Congress. Since he joined the House leadership as majority whip in 1995, DeLay has raised at least $35 million for his campaign, PACs, foundation and legal defense fund. He hasn't faced a serious re-election threat in recent years, giving him more leeway than candidates in close races to spend campaign money.

AP's review found DeLay's various organizations spent at least $1 million over the last six years on top hotels, restaurants, golf resorts and corporate jet flights for their boss and his associates. The spending shows how political power can buy access to the lifestyles of the rich and famous. While it's illegal for a lawmaker to tap political donations for a family vacation, it is perfectly legal to spend it in luxury if the stated purpose is raising more money or talking politics. "

[NVMojo]

1. Beyond disgusting ...no wonder Bush has gotten away with murder.

[SharonAnn]

2. DeLay made this Amendment to the Campaign Finance Reform Bill

He made sure that he would be able to get donations, fees, and costs paid from "charitable organizations." It was part of the Campaign Finance Reform bill.

At the time I said "Whoa!". He's set up a "children's charity" and this is just a ruse to funnel money through that (and donations to it would even be tax-deductible) to him.

Unfortunately, it seems that few knew that he had set up that charity and it didn't get much press. Also the connection between his insertion of that protection and his access tohis special "charity" did'nt get much press.

Sometimes I really feel like Cassandra. I see things, their connections, and the probable consequences of certain actions. But people don't believe me until those things happen.