DeLay Fights Back Against Earle's Persecution

DeLay leads own defense with potent offense
Former House leader begins fight in the court of public opinion
By SAMANTHA LEVINE
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON - As far as Tom DeLay is concerned, there is only one person suited to the job of defending him outside the courtroom against the criminal indictments that have suddenly thrown his future into doubt: himself.

"He believes this requires a personal defense," spokesman Kevin Madden said. "We go out and make sure he has the proper venues to do that."

Since DeLay was indicted on conspiracy and money-laundering charges in Travis County, he has appeared before the jury of public opinion with a relentless offensive of radio and television appearances, e-mail messages and a Web site that appears to be mostly funded with campaign donations.

He has even used old-fashioned political props — "I Stand With Tom" buttons and hand fans printed with the message "I am a Tom DeLay fan."

Campaign's goals

The goal of all of this, Madden said, is to ensure that DeLay's constituents in the Houston area's 22nd District, as well as Republicans in Congress and across the country, see that the charges are baseless and "made by somebody who always targets his political enemies with his prosecutorial power," a reference to Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle, a Democrat.

DeLay's lawyers already have filed a motion to dismiss the indictment.

Earle has said he is going only by the facts of the case and points out he has prosecuted more Democrats than Republicans on charges related to their public service.

The success of DeLay's campaign depends in large part on forces beyond his control — a judge in Travis County who will decide whether his case comes to trial; the House Ethics Committee, which may investigate DeLay's overseas travel; and a federal probe of lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who went on two of the trips, to determine whether he improperly influenced the Sugar Land Republican.

DeLay is going to beat this deal quite handily. Earle is on a witch hunt and needs to be slapped down hard. Imagine allowing a film crew to have access to the investigation, and having to desperately seek a seventh grand jury to get an indictment.

Full Story: DeLay v. Earle

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