Guilty!

(graphic found here)

From the New York Times:

Tom DeLay, one of the most powerful and divisive Republican lawmakers ever to come out of Texas, was convicted Wednesday of money-laundering charges in a state trial, five years after his indictment here forced him to resign as majority leader in the House of Representatives.

After 19 hours of deliberation, a jury of six men and six women decided that Mr. DeLay was guilty of conspiring with two associates in 2002 to circumvent a state law against corporate contributions to political campaigns. He was convicted of one charge of money laundering and one charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering. ...

He faces between 5 and 99 years in prison, though the judge may choose probation.

Woo, hoo! Guilty! It couldn't happen to a more deserving person. OK, Delay is still a powerful politician, especially in Texas. He may well face only probation. And he's going to appeal, so who knows if even that will stick.

Also, the damage is done. These illegal donations helped Republicans take control of the Texas House. Thus, they were able to control redistricting in the state, which has meant more Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives ever since. None of that is undone by this ruling.

But this is still great news for those of us who still believe in the rule of law.