Donors underwrite life of luxury for DeLay

As Tom DeLay became a

king of campaign fundraising, 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.

Since he joined the House leadership as majority whip in 1995, DeLay has raised at least $35 million for his campaign, PACs,

foundation and legal defense fund. He hasn’t faced a serious re-election threat in recent years, giving him more leeway than candidates

in close races to spend campaign money.

AP’s review found DeLay’s various organizations spent at least $1 million over the last

six years on hotels, restaurants, golf resorts and corporate jet flights for their boss and his associates.

While it’s illegal for

a lawmaker to tap political donations for a family vacation, it is perfectly legal to spend it in luxury if the stated purpose is raising

more money or talking politics. …

Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., a Republican author of legislation that reformed campaign

finance, was just as critical of DeLay’s spending habits.

“It’s excessive, it’s obscene, it distorts someone’s

ability to have good judgment,” said Shays, a longtime critic of DeLay. “It’s an abuse of campaign finance law and of our ethics law.

It’s harmful to Congress in general and the Republican Party in particular. We need a new leader.”