AUSTIN, Texas (CNN) - A Texas judge is sending "The Hammer" to prison. Former Republican leader Tom DeLay was sentenced to three years in prison Monday after a jury found him guilty of money laundering and conspiracy.
DeLay emotionally asked the judge for leniency. "I've lost my right to vote. Just because someone disagrees with you, it's not enough, they have to bury you, throw you in jail." DeLay arrived at the Austin courthouse in good spirits earlier today jokingly telling reporters he "had a date with the judge today." During his days in Congress, he earned the nickname "The Hammer."
"Mr. DeLay has suffered enough. He lost it all already." said DeLay's attorney, Dick DeGuerin. "He did not rob, he did not line his own pockets. He did what he did because he believes in conservative values."
The judge will allow DeLay to post a $10,000 bond while his case is being appealed. DeGuerin says DeLay is posting bond and will be released soon.
From CNN Politics
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haha! glad he is being sent to prison. no leniency for the wicked such as him.
He laundered money. He got caught. Do the time. I am sure he would not have mercy for a criminal who stole $35. What about the indian casino dealings?
Oh Tom, whatever will you do in prison?
"He did not rob, he did not line his own pockets. He did what he did because he believes in conservative values."
He still broke the law! The judge saw that, have a good time in jail Tom
"He did what he did because he believes in conservative values" – he forgot to add – "Which includes a$$ kissing my corporate friends as well as breaking the law to benefit those conservative values, but who is really counting?"
Wish they would have thrown him away for longer
"He did what he did because he believes in conservative values."
'nuff said.....
Justice for a smug politician who decided he was above the law.
"Mr. DeLay has suffered enough. He lost it all already" Looks like he's gonna lose something else here real soon.
A slap on the wrist.
How about throwing Cheney and Bush in jail for pushing America into a war without a cause?
Guess he still doesn't see that dishonesty and manipulation to break the law is illegal even if you think you are doing it for a good end result. If you pollute the political system and break laws it is okay as long as it is for ideological reasons – so thinks DeLay. The verdict was rendered by a jury of his peers in Texas, I think he should reflect on what he really did wrong since he doesn't seem to get it.
FINALLY some TRUE justice. I have absolutely *no* pity for this, the symbol of all that was and is wrong with the so called Christian Conservative Right. I only wish his sentence were longer!
I love his attorney's plea at sentencing: "He did what he did because he believes in conservative values." Pretty much sums up the Republican Party's feelings about ends justifying the means and the general disregard for the law as it would apply to them.
So this means "conservative values" include illegal activity if you think it serves your cause?
This arrogant politician deserves far more than 3 years – I am from Houston and he is actually a laughing stock by most people here. His cocky attitude and strut was almost sickening - I'm afraid he'll never see jail time since he is "owed" so many political favors by our corrupt politicians, who are the scum of the earth.
One of the founding fathers of hate-filled rhetoric, "The Hammer", Darling of the Tea Party. Seems the tide may be turning against them. What goes around, comes around. If I were Sarah Palin I'd be quaking in my boots.
"By Texas law, corporate money is illegal" and Mr. DeLay was found guilty of funneling corporate money throgh his PAC.
Nobody should take delight in seeing the downfall of another person, but you have to wonder what is going though the minds of some people in this country when their attorney stands up in open court and offers as a defense of a crime that "He did what he did because he believes in conservative values."
Haven't we had enough of "values" over respect for law and political party over the good of America?
What part doesn't DeLay not understand about breaking the law verses someone disagreeing with him. Like all felons, you lose your voting rights and furthermore all conservatives aren't crooks.
It annoys me to no end that this man is getting to be out on bail during the appeals process. How likely is it that process will end before this old man dies?
Looks like the hammer got hammered
)
Well well.. The ex-pest control company owner has been.... sprayed.....Roaches in Texas?..... Oh come-on.. really?
Stupid is as stupid does...
This guy is so eat-up with conservatism that it ate-up his soul.
That just makes my day...........it couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy..........good luck, Tommy baby.......wait til you see whats in store for you.
And to think, America just put his pals back in charge of the House.