DeLay and Franks: Two of a Kind

Washington, DC - Today, indicted former Republican House Leader Tom DeLay will host a fundraiser in Washington, DC at the Republican Party headquarters for Rep. Trent Franks of Arizona. Despite facing indictments and a criminal trial for illegally funneling corporate money to Texas Republican candidates, DeLay continues to raise special interests dollars for himself and other Republican members. Today's fundraiser also comes after reports that Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle is probing a connection between DeLay and a co-conspirator involved in the bribery case against convicted former Republican Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham. [The New York Times, 12/14/05]

"Even under mounting suspicion and after getting caught with his hand in the cookie jar, DeLay has yet to learn his lesson," said Democratic National Committee Spokesperson Amaya Smith "Congressman Franks should refuse DeLay's offer to raise special interest dollars instead of aligning himself with someone whose values clearly do not reflect those of the people of Arizona.

"Instead of raising money for his own defense fund and his Republican colleagues, DeLay should be up front with Texans and Americans about his possible role in activities that do not reflect the ethics of those who elected him."