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CBS News | GOP's DeLay Using Kids To Get $$$? | November 14, 2003 12:33:27
House Majority Leader Tom DeLay has organized a charity that benefits abused and neglected children – and the Republican Party, the New York Times reports.

The newspaper said potential donors were being asked to give up to $500,000 to spend time with DeLay at the GOP convention in New York City next year. DeLay's office said most of the funds collected will go to children, but money from the charity will also be used to pay for GOP yacht cruises, convention parties and a luxury suite.

Bill Frist is apparently considering a similar deal with a charity to "benefit" AIDS victims. This has the benefit of making contributions tax-deductible. It's also viewed as a way for campaigns to play fast and loose with the regulations covering "soft money" donations.

Personally, I think you have to be a moral imbecile not to think there's something wrong with soliciting funds for abused children and using that as a tool for access to a Congressman.