E-mails show DeLay staff knew lobbyist paid bill: Abramoff, not group, queried on European trip cost
WASHINGTON - Prosecutors have e-mails showing Rep. Tom DeLay’s office knew lobbyist Jack Abramoff had arranged the financing for the GOP leader’s controversial European golfing trip in 2000 and was concerned about someone “asking questions.” House ethics rules bar lawmakers from accepting free trips from lobbyists. DeLay, R-Sugar Land, reported to Congress that a Republican advocacy group had paid for the spring 2000 trip that DeLay, his wife and top aides took to Scotland and England.
Gee, whodathunkit? It turns out that Da Hammer knew all along that his golfing trip to Scotland wouldn’t pass the smell test…not that it stopped him from allowing Jack Abramoff pay the freight for it.
Call me cynical, but I was always taught that if you’re in a position of power and trust, you’d best avoid anything that even hints of impropriety or inappropriate behavior. It seems a simple, basic rule, and one that should help keep even the most morally- and ethically-challenged Republican demagogue out of trouble. Unless, of course, you’re Tom DeLay, who has always believed that he’s exempt from the rules that apply to other, lesser mortals.
It’s just too bad that DeLay won’t be able to play golf in prison. He should be able to count on becoming someone’s girlfriend, though. Hopefully, that will take some of the sting out of being denied another tee time at St. Andrews…..
