When Republican former U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas was in congressional power, he tended to play “hardball” politics.
It got him into serious trouble.
A few years ago, he was riding high. But he was later charged with scheming in 2002 to send corporate money to help finance some Texas political candidates. Specifically, the charges involved alleged conspiracy to commit money laundering.
He was convicted. And on Monday, he was sentenced to three years in prison. In addition – in lieu of five more years – he agreed to 10 years of probation in connection with the money laundering.
It’s a shame money is so important in politics. It’s embarrassing to us all when any member of Congress, or anyone in any public office, disgraces himself by acting beyond the law.