Law’s creative use could be key in DeLay appeal

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Legal and political experts say Texas prosecutors’ creative use of the state’s money laundering law to convict former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay for his role in a scheme to influence elections could be key to whether his conviction is upheld or overturned.

DeLay’s case is now making its way up the appeals process after he was sentenced to three years in prison this week. DeLay will be free on bond pending his appeal.

Dick DeGuerin, DeLay’s lead attorney, said today his appeal will focus in part on how prosecutors used the money laundering law in a way that was never intended.

But prosecutors say the convictions should stand. A jury found DeLay used his political action committee to illegally send corporate donations to Texas House candidates in 2002,