Donors funding DeLay's jet-setting, luxury travel

Donors funding DeLay's jet-setting, luxury travel

Larry Margasak and Sharon Theimer
Associated Press
Dec. 25, 2005 12:00 AM

WASHINGTON - As Tom DeLay became a king of campaign fund-raising, he lived like one, too. He visited cliff-top Caribbean resorts, golf courses designed by PGA champions and four-star restaurants, all courtesy of donors who bankrolled his political money empire.

Over the past six years, the former House majority leader and his associates have visited places of luxury most Americans have never seen, often getting there aboard corporate jets arranged by lobbyists and other special interests.

Public documents reviewed by the Associated Press tell the story: At least 48 visits to golf clubs and resorts; 100 flights aboard company planes; 200 stays at hotels, many world-class; and 500 meals at restaurants, some averaging nearly $200 for a dinner for two. advertisement

Instead of his personal expense, the meals and trips for DeLay and his associates were paid with donations collected by the campaign committees, political action committees and children's charity the Texas Republican created during his rise to the top of Congress. His lawyer says the expenses are part of DeLay's effort to raise money from Republicans and to spread the GOP message.
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http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/1225delay-luxury25.html

what is interesting is this story still has legs and is being reported in RED Az. :)

(I leave it to you to fill in the appropriate "GOP message" of your choosing. I fear mine has far too many four-letter words and scatological terms to be used on Chirstmas day.)