FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 2005

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi, Hoyer: Reps. Smith and Cole Face Conflict of Interest in DeLay Ethics Investigation

Washington, D.C.–House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Whip Steny Hoyer sent a letter to Speaker Dennis Hastert today on the appointments of Congressmen Lamar Smith (R-TX) and Tom Cole (R-OK) to the Ethics Committee, despite their contributions to Majority Leader Delay’s Legal Defense Fund. 

The text of the letter follows:

February 10, 2005

The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert

Speaker

U.S. House of Representatives

H-232 U.S. Capitol

Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Mr. Speaker:

We are writing regarding your appointment of Representatives Lamar Smith and Tom Cole to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (the Ethics Committee). 

As you know, last October 6, the Ethics Committee formally admonished Majority Leader Tom DeLay for his participation in and facilitation of an energy company fundraiser and for his intervention in a partisan conflict in the Texas House of Representatives using the resources of a federal agency.

The complaint that gave rise to the Committee’s action against Mr. DeLay also included allegations regarding the Texas matter.  In response, the Committee, in its October 6 letter to Mr. DeLay, noted that it had deferred action in that case until a state investigation is concluded.  The Committee’s statement makes it clear that further inquiries into Mr. DeLay’s conduct can be expected.

Press accounts indicate that Representatives Smith and Cole have made financial contributions to the Legal Expense Fund established by Mr. DeLay to defray his legal expenses.  Having given money to help defend Mr. DeLay against these precise allegations, Mr. Smith and Mr. Cole should not now sit in judgment of him.

While Mr. Smith and Mr. Cole may argue that their contributions will not prejudice their decisions -- and we have no reason to doubt their intent to act properly -- the perception of many of their colleagues and of the public will be otherwise.     

We therefore ask that these appointments be withdrawn and that you designate in their place Members who will not be perceived by the public as having already made up their minds regarding the conduct of Mr. DeLay.  Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Nancy Pelosi                                        Steny Hoyer

Democratic Leader                               Democratic Whip

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi