Ayalon: Israel will stand by DeLay

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1127987659697

WASHINGTON – The first public appearance of Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas) after being indicted and forced to leave his leadership position was at Wednesday night's dinner hosted by "Stand for Israel," a group of Israel-supporting evangelical Christians and Jews led by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.

"It's really good to be here among so many old friends and brothers and sisters in the cause for justice and human freedom," DeLay opened, drawing a standing ovation from the crowed. Some shouted, "We love you, Tom."

The ousted majority leader of the House of Representatives is known to be a staunch supporter of Israel and has close ties with right wing groups and the settlers. "Tom DeLay is a true friend of Israel and has always worked for the security and well-being of the state," Israeli ambassador to Washington Danny Ayalon said Thursday. "We will keep up the close ties with him."

Tom DeLay was forced to step down, at least temporarily, from his position as House majority leader after a Texas grand jury indicted him Wednesday on charges related to illegal use of campaign contributions. DeLay has denied any wrongdoing and his lawyers claim that the prosecution was driven, in this case, by political motivation.

[burythehatchet]

1. yeah well fuck them and the

horse they rode in on.

[JDPriestly]

2. For shame!

Who in the world is Rabbi Eckstein. What kind of group was this?

[Me.]

3. I'd Say They've Bet

on the wrong horse

[leveymg]

4. Wonder whether DeLay isn't tied up in the OSP-AIPAC case in some way.

Could also be Plamegate, or something related. Illegal Israeli and/or Saudi campaign contributions?

The Texas election law violation may just be a lesser offense that came out of a closed-door plea agreement.

Anyone out there got something to support that hunch?

[Me.]

5. I Believe He'll Have His Hands Full

when the Abramoff matter starts coming to a head, that is where he is supposedly very vulnerable.

[leveymg]

6. Just knew it had to be something like that.

Thanks.