Tom DeLay loves kids

November 14, 2003 1:17 PM

In January House Majority Leader, Tom DeLay engineered "an abrupt reversal of rules that had prohibited lawmakers from accepting free trips and lodging in connection with charity events." In April he raised $1.1 million from lobbyists and lawmakers at a golf tournament in Florida for The Delay Foundation for Kids.

Today, the NY Times reports that he has set up another charity, Celebrations for Childrens, Inc., to receive money from a soiree held during the 2004 Republican convention.

Mr. DeLay is not a formal official of the charity, but its managers are Mr. DeLay's daughter, Dani DeLay Ferro; Craig Richardson, a longtime adviser; and Rob Jennings, a Republican fund-raiser. Mr. Richardson said the managers would be paid by the new charity. Mr. Richardson said the goal was to give 75 percent of the money it raised to children's charities, including some in the New York area.

This is not the first time Dani has benefited from daddy's public service. She was "paid nearly $60,000 in consulting fees during the second half of 2000" from "political committees tied to DeLay."

Don't be concerned though, just because Dani is Tom's daughter doesn't mean she can't throw a good party.

The weekend included a late-night party Saturday in DeLay's suite at the Rio Hotel and Casino, which featured a living room, bar and hot tub on the balcony. DeLay was not present, aides said; the event was hosted by his daughter, Dani Ferro, the campaign manager for DeLay's reelection campaign. After the party, Ferro told associates that a lobbyist poured champagne on her while she was in the hot tub.

Tom DeLay loves kids (11.14.2003)

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