Abramoff Scandal
Texas group critical of DeLay cleared in IRS probe


Texans for Public Justice, a nonprofit group that has been critical of indicted Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), has been cleared in an Internal Revenue Service probe that was requested by one of DeLay's allies, The Washington Post reports.

The IRS probe was requested by Rep. Sam Johnson (R-Texas), who sits on the House Ways and Means Committee. He had received complaints from Barnaby W. Zall, a Washington lawyer close to DeLay, but none were substantiated by the IRS.

Texans for Public Justice, accused DeLay of injecting corporate money into state elections in violation of state law. A Texas county prosecutor later indicted DeLay on similar charges.

The group has since filed a complaint against Republican activist Ralph Reed, accusing him of lobbying against tribes in Texas without following the state's lobbying laws. Reed is an ally of DeLay and disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

The group also has sought to tie a former aide to former Sen. Tom Daschle (D-South Dakota) to the Abramoff scandal. But lobbying records show Brian Drapeaux, who was once employed at Abramoff's firm, wasn't part of the team.

Get the Story:
Texas Nonprofit Is Cleared After GOP-Prompted Audit (The Washington Post 2/27)
pwpwd

Relevant Links:
Texans for Public Justice - http://www.tpj.org
Rep. Tom DeLay - http://tomdelay.house.gov

Related Stories:
Tribal member, a lobbyist, not part of Team Abramoff (02/13)
Prosecutor targets DeLay trip funded by Choctaws (02/02)
Groups seek probe of Reed's role in scandal (12/02)
DeLay denies being a target of Abramoff probe (01/27)
Opinion: Native lobbyists must change ways too (01/26)
McCain blames both parties for 'out of control' lobbying (01/23)
Abramoff not in NIGA's camp but lobbyist came close (01/19)
DeLay pressed officials after taking Abramoff money (01/11)
Column: New name for DeLay - Dances with Dollars (01/10)
Texas prosecutor subpoenas Choctaws, Barona Band (01/06)
Abramoff scandal tips off power struggle within GOP (01/06)
Mississippi Choctaws gave $250K to 'Family' group (01/04)
Bush blasted for remarks on Abramoff, DeLay (12/16)
Bush seeks to link Jack Abramoff to Democrats (12/15)
Tom DeLay denies making phone call to Abramoff (12/15)
Judge won't dismiss all charges against DeLay (12/06)
McCain expects 'lots' of indictments in Abramoff case (12/05)
Abramoff probe spreads to members of Congress (11/28)
Abramoff used charity to raise money for DeLay (11/04)
DeLay staff helped Abramoff gain access to Norton (11/03)
DeLay booked, photographed on arrest warrant (10/21)
Texas court issues arrest warrant for DeLay (10/20)
Mississippi Choctaws gave to DeLay's party fund (10/18)
DeLay's shifting of campaign funds under scrutiny (10/07)
DeLay indicted on money laundering charges (10/4)
DeLay steps aside after being indicted in Texas (9/29)
Hayworth targeted for ties to Abramoff, DeLay (7/4)
Hayworth predicts DeLay will weather ethics storm (3/15)
Tribe, gambling firm funded DeLay's overseas trip (3/14)
DeLay rebuked yet again for flaunting influence (10/7)
DeLay rebuked for trading influence on House floor (10/1)