Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The former Republican congressional leader Tom DeLay, one of the most polarising politicians during the George W Bush administration, is getting his day in court, five years after being charged with illegally funnelling corporate money to help elect Republicans to the Texas legislature.
Mr DeLay was once one of the most powerful Republicans in Congress. As Majority Leader in the House of Representatives he earned the nickname "the Hammer" for his heavy-handed style in bringing recalcitrant Republicans into line for votes.
But the criminal charges in Texas, as well as a separate federal investigation of his ties to disgraced former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, forced Mr DeLay to step down as leader and eventually to resign, after representing suburban Houston for 22 years.
Jury selection began yesterday in Austin, and testimony is set to start next week. Mr DeLay has been pressing for a trial for years, but appeals of pre-trial rulings have slowed the case.
Defence attorney Dick DeGuerin said the "harshly drawn lines in politics today" could hamper the efforts to try Mr DeLay. "This is a highly charged political case, and my concern is Tom DeLay will be on trial for his politics and not whether he committed a crime," said Mr DeGuerin.
Mr DeLay is charged with money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments