AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Attorneys for Tom DeLay are suggesting to jurors that money laundering charges against the former U.S. House majority leader stemmed from a former prosecutor's bias against corporate donations.
The debate over corporate donations arose as prosecutors at DeLay's trial in Austin questioned former lobbyists for several corporations Monday about their companies' donations to DeLay's political action committee. The companies included Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Bacardi USA Inc.
Prosecutors allege that DeLay used the PAC to illegally funnel $190,000 in corporate funds into Texas legislative races eight years ago.
DeLay, who denies wrongdoing, is charged with money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The former Houston-area congressman faces up to life in prison if convicted.
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