Arrest warrant issued for Tom Delay

[Moonbear]

3) "Now, tell me the truth boys, isn't this kind of fun?"
Tom Delay, to three young hurricane evacuees from New Orleans at the
Astrodome in Houston on Sept. 9, 2005

Most (9/10) of those quotes are horrid and really show someone very out of touch with reality, who has no interest other than self-interest. This one though (not by any means a defense of DeLay, just this one stood out as different, so I'm commenting), I'm not so sure it's in the same category as the others. Seeing those kids in the SuperDome, then Astrodome, I might have said the same thing...not because I was oblivious to the conditions, but only in an attempt to protect the children from feeling the severity of the situation by trying to get them to think of it as a big adventure...a camping trip with the rest of the city. But, it's hard to know his intent with that comment.

All of the others really show a common theme, that he doesn't view himself as "one of us." He clearly believes he is above other men (and women). And, despite his efforts to smile in his mug shot to make it harder to use it against him, I actually think it speaks to exactly the same point...it's of course an entirely fake appearing smile, more a smirk, but my first reaction to seeing that mugshot was that he clearly believes himself to be above the law, so much so that he's laughing at the idea of being arrested...it makes me want to see him go down even harder. I know that's an entirely emotional response, and not a logical evaluation of the facts in the case, but it is the reaction it invokes to me.

 

[pattylou]

I can also imagine scenarios where I would say #3, in an effort to create a camaraderie with some of the displaced people. It depends on context.

From the wiki link, this one:

My friends, there is no Palestinian-Israeli conflict. There is only the global war on terrorism."

Is also absurd, but depending on context could seem less so. Ex: I could say something like "There is no war, only life and philosophies struggling to survive." As a philosophical statement ... well it's kooky but could be argued. As a representation of the state of the world, it's inaccurate.

I wonder what the context was for the "kinda fun" comment.

 

[Jimmy Snyder]

"I don't believe there is a separation of church and state. I think the
Constitution is very clear. The only separation is that there will not be a
government church."

What (the first amendment to) the Constitution actually says:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

Sounds to me like Delay got that one right. To be specific, you can't take tax money and give it to a church. You can pray in a public school, but you can't turn a public school into a church.

I have a beef with a quote that has been making the rounds: "The Constitution grants freedom of religion, not freedom from religion." The way I read it, I get both.

 

[TRCSF]

Oh, those quotes are obviously taken out of context by the crazy liberal media. Tom DeLay's a wonderful human being, he must have said something more like this:

1) "I AM the federal government. And by that I mean that I'm just a federal employee and am only a representative of the people. I apologize, I thought this was the smoking section and was unfamiliar with the new regulations, let me put this out."
Tom DeLay, to the owner of Ruth's Chris Steak House, after being told to put
out his cigar because of federal government regulations banning smoking in
the building, May 14, 2003

2) "So many minority youths had volunteered that there was literally no room
for patriotic folks like myself. At least that's what my black friend Tyrone told me. I've got lots of black friends. They love me. Maybe I should have asked the Army if they were all fulled up. Hey, I was just a goofy kid"
Tom DeLay, explaining at the 1988 Republican convention why he and vice
presidential nominee Dan Quayle had not fought in the Vietnam War

3) "Well boys, you've just lost your house, your grandma's dead, your dog is missing. Your parents are now unemployed. You haven't had food or water for a couple of days. And you've got nowhere to live. Now, tell me the truth boys, isn't this kind of fun? Now smile for the camera. Smile like you've been indicted"
Tom Delay, to three young hurricane evacuees from New Orleans at the
Astrodome in Houston on Sept. 9, 2005

4) "We're no longer a superpower. We're a super-duper power. And we're going to find those weapons of mega awesome destruction any day now."
Tom DeLay, explaining why America must topple Saddam Hussein in 2002
interview with Fox News

5) "Nothing is more important in the face of a war than cutting taxes. And making sure you have a good reason. Tax cuts for me, and a good reason. Naturally."
Tom DeLay, March 12, 2003

6) "'Guns have little or nothing to do with juvenile violence. The causes of
youth violence are working parents who put their kids into daycare, the
teaching of evolution in the schools, and working mothers who take birth control
pills.' Is just the sort of thing I'd say if I were on the NRA payroll, an utter sexist, forty years behind the times, and have my own weird sexual hangups. Thank God I'm a modern intelligent human being. How could I represent the millions of working moms in my constituency if I actually believed any of that? Plus, it'd be pretty hypocritical of me to criticize single moms and or/birth control given that in my youth I was a real playboy, and had the name "Hot Tub Tom.""
Tom DeLay, on causes of the Columbine High School massacre, 1999

7) "A woman can take care of the family. It takes a man to provide
structure. To provide stability. Not that a woman can't provide stability, I'm not
saying that . . . It does take a father, though, unless it doesn't. Because a woman can provide stability, I'm not making any sense, am I? What I mean is that single mom families are perfectly legitimate."
Tom DeLay, in a radio interview on Feb. 10, 2004

8) "I don't believe there is a separation of church and state in the second Amendment.. I think the
Constitution is very clear. It's in the first amendmentThe only separation is that there will not be a
government church. And a churchy government"
Tom DeLay

9) "Emotional appeals about working families trying to get by on $4.25 an
hour [the minimum wage in 1996] are hard to resist. Fortunately, such families
do not exist , in the future. Minimum wage will be higher. Plus there will be robots.."
Tom DeLay, during a debate in Congress on increasing the minimum wage, April
23, 1996

10) "I am not a federal employee. I am a constitutional officer. My job is
the Constitution of the United States, I am not a government employee. I am in
the Constitution. Give up? It's "What is the Bill of Rights?" I totally nailed that one from kids Jeopardy last night."
Tom DeLay, in a CNN interview, Dec. 19, 1995

 

[pattylou]

I see. What a fun loving kidder ol' Hot Tub is.

 

[Informal Logic]

TRCSF -

$10,000 in bail - pft - that was priceless!

 

[faust9]

More money problems for DeLay...
http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/10/26/delay.defense.fund.ap/index.html

 

[Gokul43201]

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/04/04/delay.election/

Tom DeLay calls it a day !

 

[Astronuc]

Well, it's bloody well about time.

DeLay says he'll resign (CNN) - http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/04/04/delay.election/index.html

U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, the once-powerful Texas Republican, plans to resign from Congress and will drop his re-election bid, citing a desire to keep his House seat in Republican hands. "I refuse to allow liberal Democrats an opportunity to steal this seat with a negative personal campaign," DeLay said in a video announcement released today.

DeLay to Announce Resignation From House - http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060404/ap_on_go_co/delay
By DAVID ESPO, AP

WASHINGTON - Succumbing to scandal, former Majority Leader Tom Delay intends to resign from Congress within weeks, closing out a career that blended unflinching conservatism with a bare-knuckled political style.

We are still waiting for the trial.

 

[BobG]

I'm thinking a plea bargain may be in the works. If it were just the polls and the bad publicity, deciding not to run for re-election would be a reasonable response. Deciding to resign before his term has expired means he has some bigger problems than just losing the election.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

One more step in the right direction.

Back from The Hammer to the exterminator - a fitting job.

 

[Astronuc]

Facing Long Odds in Texas, DeLay Opts Out
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5323575

All Things Considered, April 4, 2006 ·

Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay plans to give up his seat, one week after one of the Texas Republican's top aides pleaded guilty in the corruption investigationof lobbyist Jack Abramoff. In addition to a tough battle for re-election, DeLay is facing corruption charges in Texas.

Announcing his resignation at the Capitol, DeLay, once one of the most powerful Republicans in Washington, said he will give up his seat because he doesn't like the nasty turns of his battle for re-election -- a race he once said he was confident of winning.

Gauging Effect of DeLay's Resignation on Elections
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5323581



DeLay DeParts DeCongress by NPR's Political Junkie, Ken Rudin
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5325201

NPR.org, April 5, 2006 · It had nothing to do with the Abramoff investigation, said the man whose former deputy chief of staff had, only three days prior, pleaded guilty to influence peddling -- a plea that, for the first time, puts ethical misconduct directly into the office of Congressman Tom DeLay.

Whatever, the biggest surprise about the announcement by the former House majority leader -- that he will not only drop out of his race for re-election but resign from Congress as well -- is perhaps that it came as a surprise. It was one thing to be indicted in Texas on what may or may not have been a bogus charge by Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle. Republicans claim Earle is hopelessly partisan, and regardless, they were confident the indictment would be thrown out. But when you find yourself in the middle of an investigation by the federal government, as part of a wider scandal involving former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, then it's not to be dismissed as a mere nuisance. It did not shock or awe anyone when DeLay dropped his goal of regaining his post of majority leader earlier this year -- a position he had to forfeit following his indictment in Texas -- once Abramoff pleaded guilty and started talking to prosecutors. It was at that moment when it appeared his long political career was reaching the end of the line. So perhaps his resignation shouldn't come as a surprise, either.

DeLay insists that his reason for stepping down is not about any ethics investigation. It's that he didn't have the appetite for a "negative, personal campaign" -- which is what his bid for a 12th term had become. He says he could have defeated his Democratic rival, former Congressman Nick Lampson, but not without a price. It would have taken too much out of him, his constituents, and his party. And so by stepping aside, he argues, a stronger Republican can come forward to fight for the seat. On that count, he's probably right. It's a district that President Bush carried in 2004 with 64 percent. And while Texas' 22nd Congressional District has become more Democratic -- an outcome that DeLay is responsible for, having ceded some of his GOP bastions to help increase Republican representation in neighboring districts -- his relatively weak showing two years ago, against an unfunded and unheard-of rival, is attributed more to his own ethical shortcomings than anything else.

Read more at NPR, including -

While anyone may call for the impeachment of the president, only a member of Congress can introduce such legislation. Currently, Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) has introduced House Resolution 635, which would create a select committee to investigate grounds for recommending the impeachment of President Bush. According to various pro-impeachment organizations, Conyers has 29 co-sponsors, all Democrats (except for Sanders of Vermont, an independent): . . .

This should make for interesting times if the Democrats regain control in one or both houses of Congress - particularly the house - later this year.

 

[SOS2008]

Riiight...

The fact of the matter is, the arrogant SOB has two aids providing testimony against him. Despite his incredible delusion, he has had to face the fact that he has been caught RED HANDED, and it is simply friggin' over with. (Like he ever gave a s**t about anything other than himself and his own power game.)

If only we could kill two birds with one stone and give him (and a few others. uh-hem, Bush) along with the state of Texas to Mexico to resolve the so-called (also delusional) Reconquista' movement.

Yeah, that's the ticket.

 

[Astronuc]

So, SOS, tell us how you really feel.

Meanwhile, make some space in you PM folders.

 

[Art]

Riiight...

The fact of the matter is, the arrogant SOB has two aids providing testimony against him. Despite his incredible delusion, he has had to face the fact that he has been caught RED HANDED, and it is simply friggin' over with. (Like he ever gave a s**t about anything other than himself and his own power game.)

If only we could kill two birds with one stone and give him (and a few others. uh-hem, Bush) along with the state of Texas to Mexico to resolve the so-called (also delusional) Reconquista' movement.

Yeah, that's the ticket.

And if you move all of the illegal immigrants to Texas that solves that problem too.

 

[Gokul43201]

I've heard that campaign money may be used by Congressmen to pay legal fees, if the charges are directly related to the lawmakers' duties. There seems to be some amount of fuzz in this law, but it appears that DeLay will be able to use his million or so dollars for his legal defense.

(Cunningham was eventually allowed to use his warchest, but James Trafficant was not.)

http://news.ft.com/cms/s/5e09b734-c4ca-11da-b7c1-0000779e2340.html

 

[Astronuc]

As I understand the law, members of Congress may keep unspent campaign funds for personal use! That could be millions of dollars.

You bet that money influences the decisions in Congress!

 

[Gokul43201]

In somewhat related news:

Jury finds DeLay guilty of money laundering

Friday, Tom DeLay was convicted of felony money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

A Travis County jury went through state’s evidence for nearly 19 hours, before finding him guilty.

The verdict confirms the state's claims that said DeLay illegally pumped corporate dollars into Texas elections.

More here: http://www.news8austin.com/content/headlines/275351/jury-finds-delay-guilty-of-money-laundering

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I just got done watching "Casino Jack and the United States of Money" on netflix instant. It chronicles the Jack Abramoff and Tom DeLay story. Very fascinating but makes you very ominous of all the backdoor deals going on in politics.

 

[WhoWee]

I realize DeLay is not a very well-liked fellow, but a possible 99 years for the crime he's convicted of "DeLay was found guilty of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering, court bailiff Gilbert Soto said. He was accused of funneling $190,000 to help elect Republicans to the state House and Senate in 2002." seems a bit excessive.

I say this because I've been watching another case with great interest.
http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/sep/01/details-emerge-in-flora-cafaro-yavorcik-/
"Yavorcik failed to list the true source of the $15,000 on his campaign-finance report by concealing the actual funding source and misrepresenting the payment for the poll as an in-kind contribution from Yavorcik, himself, the prosecutors said.

Yavorcik and Flora Cafaro conducted the financial transactions “knowing the property involved was the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity and did so in a manner calculated to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership or control of the property or to avoid a transaction reporting requirement” under federal or state law, the prosecutors alleged.

The check signed by Flora Cafaro “was disguised to look like a payment for legal services on behalf of her son’s business” and was instead used to pay for the election poll, the prosecutors said.

The money-laundering charge is a third-degree felony, carrying a fine up to $10,000 and a prison term of one to five years.
Flora Cafaro and Yavorcik’s names are contained at the end of a 73-count Mahoning County grand-jury indictment issued July 28.

But they are not among the eight defendants charged with conspiring criminally to prevent or delay the move of the Mahoning County Department of Job and Family Services to Oakhill Renaissance Place.

JFS moved in July 2007 from Cafaro Co.-owned rented quarters to Oakhill, which the county had purchased in 2006. Oakhill is the former Forum Health Southside Medical Center.

Those charged with conspiracy and other criminal counts are Cafaro Sr.; the Cafaro Co. and its affiliates, the Ohio Valley Mall Co. and the Marion Plaza Inc.; Mahoning County Commissioner John A. McNally IV; county Auditor Michael V. Sciortino; former county Treasurer John B. Reardon; and John Zachariah, former county JFS director."

The Cafaro family is one of the nations largest shopping mall developers. One family member was the owner of the failed Avanti Motors venture and was also involved in the scandal that brought down Congressman Jim Trafficant.
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/03/john_cafaro_pleads_guilty_to_c.html
"Cafaro, who made millions as a mall developer, said in a written statement last month that his daughter was not involved in the illegal loan. Capri Cafaro said she learned the money was given to her campaign manager at the time, B.J. Schuerger.

Schuerger is now a lobbyist in Columbus. His attorney, John Climaco, said last month that Schuerger did nothing wrong by accepting the loan.

The charge against John Cafaro stated that in 2004 "he caused the responsible official of the Capri Cafaro for Congress Committee to file with the FEC a quarterly report that falsely stated that he had contributed only $2,000 for the general election campaign," knowing he had also given the $10,000 loan to a member of the campaign staff.

In 2002, John Cafaro was fined $150,000 and placed on probation for bribing former U.S. Rep. Jim Traficant. John Cafaro cooperated with prosecutors in their case against Traficant, who was convicted of corruption and sentenced to eight years in prison. "

Almost forgot this one...
http://media.www.thejambar.com/media/storage/paper324/news/2002/03/21/News/Cafaro.Ysu.Site.Of.Bribe-220312.shtml
"A local businessman whose family has given millions to YSU says he slipped U.S. Rep. James Traficant Jr. $13,000 while visiting campus.

John "J.J." Cafaro told federal prosecutors Monday that he offered the cash bribe to Traficant in exchange for legislative favors for a Cafaro-owned business.

A witness in Traficant's bribery and racketeering trial, Cafaro said Traficant accepted $13,000 in cash after the two left an economic development meeting at the Phelps Building."

But the story had a happy ending...
http://www.wytv.com/content/news/local/story/Cafaro-Spared-Jail-Time/kA_3sH3CY0OBNufd1PJmGA.cspx
""He clearly had told the judge he was ashamed and recognized what he did," said attorney Ralph Cascarilla. "He was very forthright."

Cafaro admitted in March to making a $10,000 contribution in the form of a loan to his daughter Ohio Sen. Capri Cafaro's 2004 election campaign. This amount is well above the $2,000 maximum allowed by the Federal Election Commission.

Judge Kathleen O'Malley sentenced Cafaro to three years probation and a $250,000 fine. During the hearing, she told him that this charge is not as serious as the one he faced in 2002. At that time, Cafaro was convicted of bribing former Congressman Jim Traficant. The judge also sentenced Cafaro to 150 hours of community service. She left it up to him and his probation officer to determine exactly what he will do. His attorney said Cafaro is looking forward to helping his community.

Cafaro had to meet with probation officers following the hearing and was not available to talk to the media."

 

[Gokul43201]

Maybe it's 5 yrs for every $10,000.

 

[Office_Shredder]

99 years is the maximum penalty allowed by law; I don't think he's going to get anywhere near that amount of time. It's probably there for some sort of Al Capone styled takedown