Report: DeLay's office sought intervention in Texas politics

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Wed, Aug. 13, 2003

Report: DeLay's office sought intervention in Texas politics
By Eric Lichtblau
New York Times

WASHINGTON - House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's office pressed the Justice Department in May to determine whether federal officials had the ``authority'' to intervene in a legislative redistricting standoff in Texas, but senior department officials dismissed the idea as ``wacko'' and inappropriate, a Justice Department report said Tuesday.

The report from the department's inspector general provided fresh details about the political intrigue surrounding the flight of more than 50 Texas Democrats to Oklahoma three months ago, and it suggested that DeLay's office played an even more active role in the episode than was previously known.

In addition, the report found that an FBI agent in Texas assisted state officials there in determining the whereabouts of two of the legislators who fled to Oklahoma rather than face a redistricting plan at home that they opposed. Investigators found that although the unidentified agent did not appear to have violated any FBI policies, he showed poor judgment by intervening in what was essentially a political issue.

The agent's involvement also appeared to contradict public assurances from the Justice Department in May that no federal law enforcement resources had been used to assist in the search for the legislators.

Justice Department officials said Tuesday that at the time they made those statements, they were unaware that the agent had helped track down the two legislators. (snip/...)

http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/6521661.htm

[0007]

1. Will the folks in Texas vote Tom DeLay out?

I don't understand how he can stay in office or even live with himself.

[Bridget Burke]

4. Send Juanita to Congress!

"Juanita's, The World's Most Dangerous Beauty Salon, Inc." runs in the Fort Bend Star. Here's a link to her articles spotlighting "Fort Bend County's very own Fighting Congressvarmint".

www.brazosriver.com/duhlay.htm

There are links to some angry letters but, if this not-so-radical publication can get away with printing Juanita, there must be local support for getting rid of DeLay.

I live Inside the Loop & Sheila Jackson Lee is MY rep. However, I'd gladly contribute to anybody trying to unseat the bugman.

[Gman]

5. Delay is insane

which is the reason he can live with his self.

[jiacinto]

8. He has one of the safest Republican districts in the country

Based in Houston's suburbs the 22nd is one of the most Republican districts known to man. He won't ever lose.

[LoneStarLiberal]

10. jiacinto is right

DeLay will never be voted out by the 'burbans in his district.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. And now,

according to NPR's Morning Edition, the Repukes left in the TX legislature say they will pass a law fining the absent Dems $5000 per day for not attending the session. The Dems counter with the fact that there is no quorum in the legislature, and are asking how such a law could be passed. Keep your eyes on this one.

[gratuitous]

7. Yeah, the Pubs want to fine the fleeing Dems

And people in Hell want ice water. The "fine" is empty rhetoric and a toothless threat. What's next? They gonna all stamp their little feet and hold their breath until they turn blue?

Crybabies.

[bearfan454]

11. Exactly !

This one is going to be hot. If this gets reported truthfully, they will end up looking really bad. And that's because they are really bad. Rick Perry does not pick who represents me. I vote. I pick who represents me. He cannot just come along and say this guy is your representative now. The TX DEMS are protecting Democracy ! Rick Perry does not have the authority to call a special session in the first place. There are no extroardinary circumstances that pertain to redistricing. What would they do with those extra votes anyway ? Take away from working people to give to the rich. Wrong. GO TX DEMS !

[Flubadubya]

3. What a frickin' fiasco!

Can't Delay be charged with some sort of malfeasance in this case? It was never his purview to become involved in this Texas state matter. I think he ought to be impeached. Sorry, nasty Pug!! Ack!

[CBHagman]

9. DeLay is ruthless

In addition to that, he's still the most powerful member of Congress. Since he is not viewed as a liability to the GOP (unlike Newt Gingrich after the 1998 elections), he can get away with any ethical violation without being investigated. Incdeed, DeLay can threaten counter-investigations to get back at the Dems.

The only way we're going to place his posterior in the garbage can and out of D.C. is by getting popular support for removing him. He's got ethical problems galore, but until the media really bestirs itself and there's a groundswell of public support, this sleazy character won't budge.

[realFedUp]

6. kick

.

[bearfan454]

12. Kick Again !

GO TX DEMS !

[CheshireCat]

13. Favorite quote about Delay's plan!

"...senior department officials dismissed the idea as ``wacko'' and inappropriate, a Justice Department report said Tuesday."