Cross-posted on the Lampson blog.
As the DeLay spin machine kicks into overdrive in an effort to shape public opinion and influence possible jurors in the former Majority Leader's trial, Tom DeLay seems to be having some trouble keeping his story straight.
First, DeLay went on MSNBC's Hardball and claimed he had never been asked to testify before the original grand jury that indicted him. Then his own lawyer had to admit that was, in fact, not true.
And just today, the Houston Chronicle pointed out that DeLay and his legal team are trying to change their story on another key point in his trial. Tom DeLay told prosecutors he knew about a $190,000 TRMPAC check on October, 2, 2002, before it was sent to the Republican National Committee and was in turn sent back to Texas to illegally influence state races. Now, he is trying to say he "misspoke" and he wants to change his statement.
More below the flip.
In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, DeLay's lawyer, Dick DeGuerin also said that DeLay knew about this check on October 2nd. Now, just like DeLay has done on local transportation issues and support for the Johnson Space Center, he is trying to once again change his tune. DeLay is now trying to double back and say he did not learn about this check, which eventually made its way back to Texas to influence state races, at this October 2, 2004 meeting.
The dates and the details are not as important as the underlying fact that Southeast Texans simply cannot trust Tom DeLay. He is just incapable of giving us the straight story, and everything he does is mired in Washington double speak or a desperate effort to keep him out of jail.
This trial, regardless of whether DeLay is found innocent or guilty, is already showing people in Texas's 22nd Congressional district that we need a new direction. We need a congressman who can be honest with his constituents and focus all of his attention on the issues facing Southeast Texas.
Mike Malaise
Campaign Manager
Nick Lampson for Congress