The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, a wealthy former client of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, gave money to Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas) so he could throw parties at the 2000 Republican convention, USA Today reports.

The amount of the donation was not reported. The tribe joined Enron, UPS and other major corporations as sponsors of DeLay's parties.

DeLay's 2000 GOP fundraising has become an issue in the criminal case against him in Texas. He allegedly raised more money than he needed to throw the parties and ended up giving $250,000 to Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Missouri), who is now serving as House majority leader since DeLay stepped aside after he was indicted.

According to the Associated Press, the transfer occurred as Abramoff met with DeLay and Blunt to discuss his lobbying clients. Some of Abramoff's clients also donated directly to Blunt, the AP said.

Get the Story:
DeLay politics may carry heavy price (USA Today 10/18)

Relevant Links:
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians - http://www.choctaw.org

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