A jury in Texas (a pile of guns behind the prosecutin' headquarters) hasfound Tom Guilty delay of conspiracy and money laundering. Sorry, has found Tom DeLay guilty of conspiracy and money laundering. So even though a few months ago, when the Justice Department cleared him of all charges in the Abramoff case, conservatives were telling us all we should be ashamed for what we did to this poor man, all is right for the world and will now face "between 5 and 99 years in prison," which is a place better known in Texas as "the musical electric chairs." "This is an abuse of power," DeLay said, which is sad, because that man used to love abusing power.

There will be an appeal, of course. Because this all seems a little too just.

As the verdict was read, Mr. DeLay, 63, sat stone-faced at the defense table. Then he rose, turned, smiled and hugged his wife and then his weeping daughter in the first row of spectators. He faces between 5 and 99 years in prison, though the judge may choose probation.

Hmm, will it be 99 years in prison or will it be probation? On the one hand, Texas loves to punish people, whether or not they're guilty, because it's fun. On the other hand, Texas likes to take care of their good ol' boys, no matter what they do wrong. So which path will Texas choose? Quick, somebody tell us Tom DeLay's skin color! [NYT]