Independent Counsel Sought in DeLay Inquiry

16 Jul 2004 // Two government watchdog groups asked the House ethics committee yesterday to appoint an independent counsel to investigate a complaint that House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) traded political contributions for legislative favors.

The groups -- Common Cause and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington -- said an independent investigator is needed because four members of the committee received political contributions from DeLay and because DeLay, as the second-highest ranking member of the House, wields significant power over the members.

A spokesman said DeLay opposes the groups' request and declared, "We have full confidence the ethics committee will handle this in a proper matter."

The ethics committee is reviewing the complaint submitted by Rep. Chris Bell (D-Tex.). Bell charges that DeLay illegally solicited and accepted political contributions from Kansas-based Westar Energy in return for legislative favors and laundered illegal corporate contributions for use in Texas elections.