Raw Story
is teasing a National Journal breakthrough story on the Tom Delay ethics investigation set for release tomorrow:
The prominent lawyer and former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who is being investigated by federal authorities for his lobbying efforts of an Indian tribe and his relations with House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX), paid for DeLay and DeLay's staff's stay in an expensive London hotel in mid-2000.
National Journal has obtained a copy of an expense voucher that Abramoff filed the law firm where he was then a leading lobbyist, Stone reports Saturday.
"Among the big-ticket expenses that Abramoff listed for reimbursement was a bill for the DeLays at the Four Seasons Hotel in London in the amount of $4,285.35," Stone writes. "The voucher shows that the total reimbursement for expenses was $13,318.50. For some reason, it shows that both Abramoff and Buckham were owed that amount.
"The voucher shows that Abramoff was accompanied by DeLay and his wife; Hirschmann and her husband; and Ed Buckham, DeLay's former chief of staff who had also become a lobbyist," Stone continues.
To me, this seems like case closed documentary proof that Delay had his travel expenses paid for by a registered lobbyist -- which would be a flat out violation of the House ethics rules:
House rules stipulate that members or members' employees cannot accept payment from a registered lobbyist to cover travel costs.
Rule of law, rule of law!!!
Could this be case closed for Delay? Anyone with expertise on House Ethics Rules and the possible consequences to Delay -- please opine.