The evidence certainly seems to go beyond that, including to influence peddling and personal financial gain for himself and his wife.

It seems to me that "ethical" is not a meaningful adjective to use in connection with our convoluted campaign financing laws. I can't see how anything more restrictive than a full disclosure, no foreign contributions rule is consistent with the First Amendment -- whatever SCOTUS may think.

I doubt whether Delay had any such high motives, but it could be argued that pushing the ragged limits of an unwise and unconstitutional law is perfectly ethical.

I don't consider myself a "moderate." I'm not a Delay fan because I think he uses sleazy tactics, not because of his stands on particular issues. He's also not adverse to lining his pockets by virtue of his high political office.

See Slate's summary, "The Tom DeLay Scandals" for one reasoned take.

Delay is in serious trouble and, even if he is ultimately acquitted on these charges, there is plenty of evidence that he played as close to the limits of legality as possible, almost certainly crossing the line of proper ethical conduct.

How is going up to the limit of legality equate to DeLay being in serious trouble? For an ethical lapse? For a law that wasn't on the books when the 'alleged crime' occurred?

Someday, like in 10 years or so, I would like someone to explain to me the moderates' dislike of DeLay. I understand the liberals dislike, but have no clue why everyone else has a problem. It isn't like he praised a segregationist's career at a birthday party or something.

don't tell the AP, who's headline "DeLay's Money Laundering Charges Upheld" makes it seem to be a setback for the embattled Texan congressman. (Other headlines include "DeLay's hopes dashed for quick end to case" and

A Texas Judge has upheld the more serious charge facing Tom DeLay while tossing out a second indictment. John Cole hits the right note, I think: this doesn't mean DeLay is innocent, nor does it mean he's guilty. It does, however, mean that he is fini...

Tom DeLay managed to get his conspiracy charges thrown out, but will still have to face charges of money laundering:

A judge dismissed the conspiracy charges Monday against Rep. Tom DeLay but refused to throw out the money-laundering counts, dashing th

I gather by your comment that you fully support the terrorists that are in jail and would like to see them set free to Kill innocent US Citizens.

I also gather that you support Saddam.

I operate on the theoretical premise—granting that it is seldom observed in practice—that reporters are supposed to present the truth as best as their knowledge of the facts allows.

Joyner, with apologists like you, it makes one wonder why the government spends so much to buy off reporters!

You're doing a heckuva job!

A judge dismissed the conspiracy charges Monday against Rep. Tom DeLay but refused to throw out the