Posted on 09/28/2005 8:42:56 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON - The political committee of Rep. Roy Blunt (news, bio, voting record), who is temporarily replacing Rep. Tom DeLay as House majority leader, has paid roughly $88,000 in fees since 2003 to a consultant under indictment in Texas with DeLay, according to federal records.
Keri Ann Hayes, executive director of the Rely on Your Beliefs Fund, said the organization has been has been satisfied with the work done by Jim Ellis, but has not discussed whether he will be retained.
"We haven't had that conversation," she said. So far, she added, Ellis' indictment had no impact on his work.
Records on file with the Federal Election Commission show the fund linked to Blunt retains Ellis' firm, J.W. Ellis Co., and has made periodic payments for services. Political Money Line, a nonpartisan Internet tracking service, places the total at about $88,000.
Ellis is one of three political associates of DeLay, R-Texas, who have been indicted in an alleged scheme to use corporate political donations illegally to support candidates in state elections. Ellis also runs DeLay's national political action committee, Americans for a Republican Majority.
DeLay was indicted on Wednesday, a development that required him to relinquish his leadership post at least temporarily. Blunt was chosen as his successor for the time being.
Hayes said Ellis analyzes House campaigns for Blunt's PAC, which supports Republican challengers and incumbents in House races.
Blunt has been the majority whip since 2003, a position that made him the chief vote counter for his party's conservative agenda.
DeLay's indictment capped a quick rise for Blunt, first elected to Congress in 1996. His district in southwestern Missouri includes Branson, a town of a few thousand residents that draws millions of country music fans each year to its performance stages.
Gee, I bet the ap has dirt on all the politicians and is more than happy to share it when the DNC says so, especially if Republicans are the focus of their reporting.
Haster got a clean foot shot away with Blunt. Nice call Dennis.
Pence or Bust
Bush should have put the Clinton's in jail. Then we might not have to deal with this slimy war room stuff.
Blunt is as clean as they come... Of course the MSM is going to try to dig up something far-fetched. Blunt was needed by the GOP and he took the job. I see that as further proof that he is a standup guy. I am glad he is going to hold the position. Strong leader.
I agree...the AP especially loves to try to cause trouble. It's embarrassing. Whatever...Blunt was quite effective as Whip and will bring that to the Maj Leader position too.
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