DeLay says he was victim of political prosecution

[January 13, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former House Republican leader Tom DeLay says his conviction on money laundering charges was a politically-inspired case brought by prosecutors in "the most liberal county in Texas."

DeLay tells NBC's "Today" show that prosecutors "never proved" their case against him. DeLay is free on bond after being sentenced to three years in prison and 10 years' probation on a conviction of scheming to illegally influence Texas elections.

On Thursday, he again denied the charges.

Appearing with DeLay, defense attorney Dick DeGuerin called it "a political prosecution." He said his appeal will be based partly on a 2009 Supreme Court ruling that overturned a longtime ban on political activities by corporations and unions. DeGuerin says DeLay was prosecuted "because he was so successful in bringing about redistricting in Texas."

[Associated Press]

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