Records show lawmakers took donations from lobbyists

[Judi Lynn]

Aug. 6, 2005, 1:11AM

Records show lawmakers took donations from lobbyists
Aide says DeLay will give back any contributions that violate the rules of legal defense funds
By LARRY MARGASAK
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - House Republican leader Tom DeLay and Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid are among five lawmakers who have accepted lobbyist donations to their legal defense funds despite rules prohibiting such contributions.

Congressional records show that DeLay, R-Sugar Land, accepted contributions from five lobbyists and one lobbying firm totaling $8,000 between 2001 and 2004. He has returned $3,500 from two of the donors.

Reid accepted one lobbyist contribution of $3,000 in 1999.

The donations were reported by the Center for Public Integrity, a nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization that conducts investigative research and reporting on public policy issues.
(snip/...)

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/nation/3298525
(Free registration required)

[keopeli]

1. In further news, real estate sales in Lousiana swamps has skyrocketed!

I don't believe any of this - and I don't care who publishes it. I don't believe for a minute that DeLay only received the equivalent of just one of his cuff-links in freebies.

Does anyone?

[xchrom]

2. and?????

wow -- politicians took money from lobbyists -- now there's news for ya.

and delay?!?! well, whatever -- he's a criminal.

[rucky]

3. I believe that's called bribery.

I don't think that's common practice to take straight-up cash.

Maybe I'm wrong, but don't the D.C. prostitutes take take payment with merchandise (with the receipts left on them), power lunches and fabulous vacations???

[Judi Lynn]

4. It's not like they've not given him every chance in the world to cover

all his tracks everywhere.

I think he should be thrown in jail for the dirty things he has done in the House routinely, like forcing votes on bills to stay open perpetually late at night until he can finally pressure enough people into bending in his direction.

That's FILTHY. A good man/woman wouldn't stoop that low.

Never have heard of Democrats conducting bidness like that. Not once.