Well that seals it then. Political contributions are not "proceeds of criminal activity", so I don't see how the money laundering charges could possibly stand.
The only way there would be "criminal activity" is if there was a felony violation of law. The only point where that felony could occur would be if a Texas corporation directly donated funds to a Texas politician. At that point, if those funds were spent they would be "proceeds of criminal activity" under the Texas money laundering statute.
With the conspiracy charges dismissed there is no possible way that the money laundering charges can stand, since there is no longer any felony to turn the political donations into "proceeds of criminal activity".
Earle is hosed!
I think the indictment is still available at Fox news.
It does clearly show a check from money's received by corporations into Delay's company. That money written as a check to the RNC.
An equal amount of check from RNC to the Texas Republican re-election coffers.
Think its Soft money hard money issue and Corporations not donating to get politicians in office directly.
Earl is saying that the money from corporations in Texas is used to get Texas politicians elected in office. It just took the money longer to get into the election accounts.
Seems to be good evidence, just wasn't covered by the law at the time. I think if you look at the Dem's you can find the same issues, except that now the statute of limitations has expired and only a Republican has been charged.