Charles Wyly Jr. and Samuel Wyly of Dallas, charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission with massive securities fraud, have bankrolled a host of Republican candidates, as well as national and state party committees.

But a day after the charges broke, hardly any of the Wylys’ top political beneficiaries were talking: Only the office of Sen. Kay Baily Hutchison (R-Texas) even returned phone requests by OpenSecrets Blog for comment among the eight active politicians and three national party committees receiving more than $10,000.

Those on the no-talk list include representatives from the Republican National Committee, National Republican Congressional Committee and National Republican Senatorial Committee. Together, these committees have received more than $1.7 million in contributions from the Wylys and their wives since the 1990 election cycle.

Also not talking: Rep. Pete Sessions, Rep. Lamar Smith, Rep. Jeb Hensarling, Rep. Joe Barton, Rep. Kay Granger and Rep. Sam Johnson — all congressmen representing Texas districts. Each received between $10,000 and $30,000 from the Wylys and their wives during the past two decades.

Barton received a $1,000 donation from Charles Wyly in 2007, marking the last time the Wylys donated directly to a candidate before their donations suddenly dropped off. (The Republican National Committee received $28,500 in 2008 from Charles Wyly.)

Hutchison, the biggest recipient of Wyly cash, received $30,400 between 1993 and 2003, according to a Center analysis.

A Hutchison spokeswoman, reached Friday, said the senator’s office wasn’t aware of receiving Wyly-related contributions during the past decade. The Center’s records, however, indicate Hutchison received several contributions from Charles and Dee Wyly in 2003.

The spokeswoman said Friday evening she would investigate the discrepancy and check with superiors about Hutchison’s opinion on the Wyly situation.

Hutchison’s predecessor, former Sen. Phil Gramm (R-Texas), and former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas), received $27,000 and $28,000 respectively from the Wylys. Both men no longer have active campaign operations.



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