1115.org

Washington Post (12/20/05):

As Tom Delay became a king of campaign fundraising, he lived like one too. He visited cliff-top Caribbean resorts, golf courses designed by PGA champions and four-star restaurants — all courtesy of donors who bankrolled his political money empire

Over the past six years, the former House majority leader 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 Associated Press tell the story: at least 48 visits to golf clubs and resorts; 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. His lawyer says the expenses are part of DeLay’s effort to raise money from Republicans and to spread the GOP message.

AP’s review found DeLay’s various organizations spent at least $1 million over the last six years on hotels, restaurants, golf resorts and corporate jet flights for their boss and his associates.

Apparently, it is perfectly legal “to spend (political donations) in luxury if the stated purpose is raising more money or talking politics.” May not be ethical, but it’s perfectly legal. But can it really be legal to use donations made to a children’s charity to pay for political fundraising?

Were the donations tax-deductible? If so, doesn’t siphoning off funds from the charity to use for political fundraising constitute tax fraud (among other things)?

Do we have another round of indictments to look forward to?