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Republicans Put Tom Delay Back in Power Email Print

By pontificator
02/08/2006 08:56:52 PM EST

Any claim the Republicans might possibly have that they are committed to cleaning up Washington just flew out the window, as they put one of their most corrupt members, the disgraced Tom Delay, on the friggen Appropriations Committee -- the very committee with power to direct the spending of US Taxpapers' dollars whereever its members see fit:

Indicted Rep. Tom DeLay, forced to step down as the No. 2 Republican in the House, scored a soft landing Wednesday as GOP leaders rewarded him with a coveted seat on the Appropriations Committee.

Even more astonishing, Delay has been put on the committee in charge of overseeeing the Justice Department, while he himself is being investigated by that very department in the Abramoff prosecution:

DeLay, R-Texas, also claimed a seat on the subcommittee overseeing the Justice Department, which is currently investigating an influence-peddling scandal involving disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his dealings with lawmakers. The subcommittee also has responsibility over NASA _ a top priority for DeLay, since the Johnson Space Center is located in his Houston-area district.

That's great, put a guy who has been indicted for laundering corporate contributions and who is being investigated for trading campaign contributions and travel expenses for legislative favors in charge of directing the federal treasury's money.  That's like putting Rush Limbaugh in charge of a pharmacy.

And just to make sure he has a free hand, why don't you just go ahead and give him oversight over the Abramoff investigation as well.  The Republicans have once again proven that, regardless of their "happy talk" about lobbying reform, at heart they are about catering to special interests and securing their hold on power.  Anyone who believes otherwise (cough--Chris Matthews--cough), is either an idiot or is purposefully ignoring the truth.

Update [2006-2-8 21:8:14 by pontificator]: Ha!! The Republicans gave Delay the Dukestir's seat!

DeLay was able to rejoin the powerful Appropriations panel he was a member until becoming majority leader in 2003 because of a vacancy created after the resignation of Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif. Cunningham pleaded guilty in November to charges relating to accepting $2.4 million in bribes for government business and other favors.

You can't make this stuff up!


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Republicans Put Tom Delay Back in Power | 3 comments (3 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)
This blew me away (none / 0)
I couldn't believe it when I read it a few hours ago.

If Democrats can't make hay of this, they're hopeles. Hopeless, I tell you.

(And welcome aboard, pontificator.)

by SusanG on 02/08/2006 08:59:53 PM EST

Thanks SusanG (none / 1)
Yes, The DNC better have some elves in their basement cutting campaign commercials on this right now.  If not, I just might have to march over there and start splicing film myself.

by pontificator on 02/08/2006 09:06:14 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Dear God! (none / 0)
Thanks Pontificator! You definitely Rock!

Political Cortex -- Brain Food for the Body Politic

by Tom Ball on 02/08/2006 09:49:03 PM EST

Republicans Put Tom Delay Back in Power | 3 comments (3 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)
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