Tom DeLay convicted of money-laundering charges

A jury in Austin found DeLay guilty of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Punishment for the first ranges from five years to life in prison, but the former congressman from the Houston suburb of Sugar Land could receive probation.

The case revolved around a political action committee Delay created to help the GOP win control of the Texas House. The Republican majority then rammed through a redistricting plan organized by Delay that guaranteed even more Republicans would be elected to Congress. His plan involved soliciting money from corporate interests that was funneled through various arms of the RNC ultimately to be redistributed to seven legislative candidates - in a bold effort to circumvent Texas law.

DeLay will remain free until he is sentenced on Dec. 20.