Indictments, convictions, and money

I got this in the old mail bag:

STATEMENT ON THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON'S PRESS RELEASE REGARDING CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS

It is disingenuous and overtly politically motivated for the Democrat Party to "demand" that Republicans return 2004 campaign contributions from Congressman Tom Delay.

I'd like to remind the Democrat Party of Oregon of a few facts:

In our country you are innocent until proven guilty;

An indictment is not a conviction;

The precedent for not returning campaign contributions has already been set none other than the DCCC and its Chairman Rahm Emanuel who earlier went on record indicating that indictment alone is not compelling enough of a reason to return political contributions.  Mr. Emanuel is in receipt of a contribution from former Democrat Party finance director Joseph A. Cari Jr.

Mr. Cari is facing federal extortion charges.

I am proud of the fact that I raised more money than any previous Republican challenger in the 4th Congressional district and I am equally proud that my 2004 campaign caught the attention of top Republicans in Congress.

Finally, I'd like to add something my mother always told me, "people in glass houses should not throw stones," and the Democrat Party of Oregon already has a few cracked windows.

Powerful words from Jim Feldkamp, who is again seeking to dethrone Peter DeFazio.