Tom Delay may have used a loophole within the letter of law, but it is unquestionable that he disregarded the spirit of the law. The Texas Campaign Finance Law was to minimize the influence of out-of-state contributions by companies. The influence of outside contributors has been a source of complaint by those who do not receive the contributions -- Minnesotans will recall the complaints that Paul Wellstone received monies from Hollywood.
Mark Kennedy received $10,000 in 2004 from DeLay's PAC Americans For A Republican Majority. Since his campaign ended with a surplus of $66,218 shouldn't that money be returned to DeLay ? The Manchester Union Leader reports that Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-NH) will return $15,000 he has received from Tom DeLay's PAC. Other politicians, such as Iowa's Jim Nussle are being encouraged to return their contribution.
I do not know what consitutes the $30,000 that you referred to, but with $66k in ready cash, it should all be returned.
McPherson Hall | 10.01.05 - 9:28 am | #