Defense attorney: DeLay committed no crime

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Defense attorneys tell jurors in the closing arguments of Tom DeLay’s money laundering trial the former U.S. House majority leader didn’t commit a crime through a money swap prosecutors say was used to illegally funnel cash to Texas legislative candidates.

DeLay’s lead attorney Dick DeGuerin tells jurors the money swap at the center of the case was legal and resulted in the candidates getting money from individual donors, which is allowed under Texas law.

Prosecutor Beverly Mathews told jurors earlier today the former Republican lawmaker gave his blessing to a scheme to get corporate money to Texas candidates. That’s not legal.

The once powerful but polarizing Houston-area congressman faces up to life in prison if convicted.