A jury found that DeLay illegally funneled corporate money into state legislative races. DeLay launches legal defense fund

Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay has set up a new legal defense fund to help him fight a money laundering conviction in Texas.

DeLay, who served in the House for 21 years, was convicted on state money laundering charges in November. A jury in Austin found that he illegally funneled corporate money into state legislative races — a practice that’s banned in the Lone Star State. DeLay’s efforts to redraw the Texas political map helped solidify the GOP’s hold on the state legislature and its congressional delegation.


The fund’s website says the fund started to accommodate the “overwhelming response by friends and supporters who want to stand with him in his legal battles, particularly the criminalization of politics.”

DeLay was sentenced to three years in state prison following his conviction, but he is appealing the case.

When DeLay was in Congress he had a legal defense fund, but donations were capped and he was not allowed to accept money from registered lobbyists.

This time around, things are different.

“The Legal Defense Fund may accept contributions of any type or amount and it is structured so that contributions are not taxable to Tom DeLay,” the fund’s website says. “Donations will be deemed gifts to Tom DeLay for U.S. income and gift tax purposes. The trust will terminate when the trustees determine that the legal matters are completed and all obligations met. Any remaining funds will be transferred to charitable organizations. Donors should consult with their personal tax advisor regarding any gift tax consequences. Donations to the Legal Defense Fund are not tax deductible.”

Rick Miller, chairman of the Fort Bend County Republican Party, said a resolution has been offered to direct his organization to give to the DeLay defense fund, but debate on that measure has been postponed, most likely until April.