ABC 7 News - Earle Subpoenas Former DeLay Campaign Aide

Washington (AP) - A former campaign manager of Rep. Tom DeLay who also ran an organization linked to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff was subpoenaed by a Texas prosecutor Monday. Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle filed documents in Austin seeking records from Robert G. Mills in connection with a probe of DeLay, who is awaiting trial in Texas on money laundering charges.

Earle wants information about a $500,000 political contribution made in 1999 by the National Republican Congressional Committee to the U.S. Family Network, a now-disbanded nonprofit advocacy group for conservative ideas. Mills, DeLay's 1996 campaign manager, was president of the U.S. Family Network.
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The Washington Post reported that donations to U.S. Family Network came from clients of Abramoff, who has pleaded guilty to federal charges in a congressional corruption investigation.

DeLay, R-Texas, has denied through a spokesman that donations to U.S. Family Network influenced his legislative agenda. DeLay's attorney, Dick DeGuerin, was not immediately available for comment Monday, but has previously questioned whether subpoenas can be enforced because the case is on appeal.

"We're giving people a chance to do the right thing," Earle's office said.

DeLay is accused of laundering campaign money used in 2002 races for the state Legislature. He stepped down as House majority leader last year when he was indicted.

He also has come under scrutiny in the Abramoff investigation but denies wrongdoing.