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November 17, 2005
I Promise Not To Do It Again
Today's Austin American Statesman brings word that the Texas Republican Party avoided prosecution for illegal use of corporate funds in the 2002 elections, in exchange for a promise not to do it again. Isn't that special?
Never mind that illegally using over $5 million dollars in legislative and other races helped the GOP seize every lever of state government, just don't do it again, OK?
Apparently, Travis County Attorney David Escamilla decided to grant "deferred prosecution" until April 2007, which really means they won't be prosecuted at all, in exchange for their promise to abstain in the future. What??
The State GOP agreed to not to violate the state election code, and to seek election law training for its executive director and finance officials. Mighty big of them to agree simply not to break the law. Can this even be called a slap on the wrist? A stern talking-to? More like a meek "tsk tsk".
Can anyone imagine the baying from the right-wing looney crowd if the "Democrat Party" had gotten off so easy in a similar situation? They would already have the ropes dangling from the trees in Austin. This is disgraceful folks.
The 2002 election in Texas was the most pivotal state contest of the last 100 years plus. It fundamentally changed the power structure of state government, likely for years to come. And it was largely bought and paid for by illegal corporate contributions.
So, the State GOP walks away with just a promise not to do it again. Think anybody had their fingers crossed when they made the pledge? They're laughing all the way home. Color us disgusted.
Posted by houtopia at November 17, 2005 05:54 PM