Burnt Orange Report

Tom DeLay Fact Check

By Byron LaMasters

Chris Bell debunks the DeLay myths in a press release:

FACT CHECK: DeLay Statements Contradict Evidence

The Myth:

"This investigation isn't about me", explained House Majority Leader Tom DeLay Tuesday about his colleague's indictments. "All I did was help raise money. I didn't have anything to do with where it went." As reported in today's Los Angeles Times.

The Facts:

Although Mr. DeLay claims to have no connection with the three associates indicted on Tuesday, his statements do not agree with the facts. According to deposition testimony offered by defendant John Colyandro, the executive director of TRMPAC, DeLay is directly involved with TRMPAC.

See the rest of the Chris Bell press release in the extended entry:

• DeLay served was the head of TRMPAC's advisory board and was integrally involved in its administration.
• According to the deposition testimony of John Colyandro, there were regular conference calls "to discuss matters related to the overall administration of the committee."
• "When it came to broadly making decisions about who, which candidates we would support and with what amount of financial assistance, at that point the advisory board was involved with those types of decisions." - John Colynadro, sworn testimony
• An October 4, 2002, memo from TRMPAC fundraiser Susan Lilly discussed an upcoming conference call with donors in which Rep. DeLay would "update everyone on TRMPAC's efforts to date and to discuss our strategy for victory in the final weeks of the campaign."
• Other highlights of the deposition connecting DeLay to the indictments are listed as follows:
• DeLay named to TRMPAC advisory board.
• TRMPAC documents stating that Congressman DeLay was a leader of TRMPAC.
• "High Ranking Republicans announced formation of new PAC" (11/28/01 news release includes description of advisory board and DeLay's name.
• Colyandro met with DeLay in Dallas at Bill Ceverha's office while Colyandro was working for TRMPAC.
• DeLay traveled, on a private plane, to Texas for TRMPAC event in February 2002. TRMPAC paid for the cost of the plane ride.
• Colyandro distributed memo to members of advisory board assessing potential Republican candidates and discussing their viability.
• Advisory Board met and discussed races that TRMPAC was supporting.
• All members of the advisory board were engaged in raising funds for TRMPAC. A quote from Congressman DeLay was used in TRMPAC's direct mail fundraising appeals.

Response Statement from Chris Bell

"These indictments along with the deposition of his fellow collaborator, John Colyandro, just strengthen the case that Mr. DeLay should be investigated by the Ethics Committee."

"I don't think any credible person would believe that Mr. DeLay had no idea what his top level aides were up to, particularly when the money they raised illegally helped changed the face of Texas politics. Besides, the facts clearly show Mr. DeLay was deeply involved. The evidence at hand doesn't support his statements."

"I am confident that the evidence will demonstrate that all roads lead right back to Tom DeLay. He is the common link."