DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - Tom Delay faces possible life in prison as corruption trial begins

LA Times:
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics...,1862616.story

Opening statements begin in the trial of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, accused of illegally helping steer corporate funds into Texas legislative races. His attorneys say no corporate money was given to candidates.

Opening statements began Monday in the trial of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, who is accused of helping to illegally finance Texas legislative races in 2002.

Prosecutors say DeLay took part in a scheme to illegally channel corporate money into Texas legislative races in order to strengthen his power and influence.

DeLay's attorneys countered that no corporate money was given to Texas candidates, and that the only thing the once-powerful but polarizing ex-lawmaker is guilty of is being a good politician.

Travis County prosecutor Beverly Mathews said DeLay and two associates — Jim Ellis and John Colyandro — illegally funneled $190,000 in corporate money, which had been collected by a group DeLay started, through the Washington-based Republican National Committee to help elect Republican state legislative candidates in 2002. Under Texas law, corporate money cannot be directly used for political campaigns.

"The evidence will show you they took the corporate money they knew could not be given and came up with a scheme where that dirty money could be turned clean and given to candidates," Mathews said.

DeLay, who has long denied any wrongdoing, is charged with money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.