Liberal Repercussion

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2468552

March 26, 2004, 3:25PM
Indictment threat on DeLay's mind
Defense fund reportedly discussed
By R.G. RATCLIFFE
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle

U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay apparently is preparing for the possibility that a Travis County grand jury may indict him on charges of violating state campaign finance laws.

DeLay, R-Sugar Land, told a group of Houston supporters earlier this month he may need to raise more money for a legal defense fund.

A Capitol Hill newspaper reported Thursday that he has discussed with other Republicans the possibility of temporarily stepping down from his leadership position if he is indicted.

DeLay and a committee he founded, Texans for a Republican Majority, are the subject of a grand jury investigation being led by Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle, a Democrat. The investigation focuses on whether TRM spent corporate money to influence the 2002 state House races in violation of Texas law.

DeLay and his aides have denied any wrongdoing and called the investigation a political witch hunt. However, DeLay apparently is preparing for an unfavorable outcome.

posted by Rei Toei @ 5:34 p.m.