G.O.P. Leader Solicits Money for "Charity" Tied to Convention

[papau]

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/14/politics/14DELA.html?hp

G.O.P. Leader Solicits Money for Charity Tied to Convention

By MICHAEL SLACKMAN

Published: November 14, 2003


It is an unusual charity brochure: a 13-page document, complete with pictures of fireworks and a golf course, that invites potential donors to give as much as $500,000 to spend time with Tom DeLay during the Republican convention in New York City next summer — and to have part of the money go to help abused and neglected children.<snip>

"They are using the idea of helping children as a blatant cover for financing activities in connection with a convention with huge unlimited, undisclosed, unregulated contributions," said Fred Wertheimer, president of Democracy 21, a Washington group that helped push through the recent overhaul of the campaign finance laws.<snip>

Mr. DeLay's charity, Celebrations for Children Inc., was set up in September and has no track record of work. 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.<snip>

But because the money collected will go into a nonprofit organization, donors get a tax break. And Mr. DeLay will never have to account publicly for who contributed, which campaign finance experts say shields those who may be trying to win favor with one of the most powerful lawmakers in Washington.<snip>

[denverbill]

1. Jesus Christ! These fuckers are shameless.

How can Republican morons not see through this bullshit? God they are brainwashed nazis, absolute brainwashed nazis.

[Rainbowreflect]

2. This is so wrong on so many levels.

[GAspnes]

3. I don't see how this can work

Exemption Requirements

To be tax-exempt as an organization described in IRC Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for one or more of the purposes set forth in IRC Section 501(c)(3) and none of the earnings of the organization may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate at all in campaign activity for or against political candidates.

The organizations described in IRC Section 501(c)(3) are commonly referred to under the general heading of "charitable organizations." Organizations described in IRC Section 501(c)(3), other than testing for public safety organizations, are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions in accordance with IRC Section 170.

Seems like a bit more than a speeding ticket if they get caught influencing campaigns, or legislation.

[papau]

6. IRS rule is for money AFTER EXPENSE OF FUND RAISING

So Delay calls GOP parties a cost of fund raising - so no problem

And if anything is left over it goes to kids as charity.

Delay already uses this "expense" loop hole by having another "private charity" that - after expenses - does good work and per fair and balanced news media, thereby gets good PR and votes for Delay.

[haele]

4. Tell me again why Gore was attacked

for speaking at a dinner at a Bhuddist Monistary? Hmmmm?

I can hear it now - "Well, they did it first". Typical hypocracy from the group of "grown ups" who promised to bring honor and integrity to the government.

Haele

[grannylib]

5. Ah but the Repugnicans are above the law, have you forgotten?

Like Santorum's comment about the Supermajority rule for ending a filibuster...he screams and whines about the Dem's playing by the rules, but wants to reserve the right to use the same rule against the Democrats should the opportunity arise...
Shameless, blatant, transparent hypocrisy, business as usual for the right-wing extremists who own this country...