Rep. William Jefferson, convicted of corruption, received handsome donations from legal community

William Jefferson, convict and treasonous pig

Former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) is a newly infamous scofflaw who now faces spending decades in prison after a federal jury Wednesday convicted him of 11 counts of racketeering, solicitation of bribery and money laundering.

An ironic footnote: Lawyers and law firms were by far Jefferson's largest campaign donors during his now ruined congressional career, which began in 1990 when he became Louisiana's first elected black congressman since Reconstruction. That career ended unceremoniously in December when the embattled politico lost reelection to a poorly funded and relatively unknown Republican, Joseph Cao.

As an industry, lawyers and law firms donated more than $612,000 to Jefferson during his congressional career, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis. That significantly outpaces Jefferson's second-highest donor by industry -- public sector unions, at more than $257,000 over time.

Building trade unions ($233,300), health professionals ($193,885) and transportation unions ($191,700) round out the top five industry contributors to Jefferson's congressional campaigns.

The American Association for Justice ranks as Jefferson's all-time contributor by organization, sending him $73,500 during his congressional career. The American Federation of Teachers and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers follow closely behind.

Even during the 2008 election cycle, when Jefferson faced federal allegations that he oddly stuffed $90,000 worth of bribe money in a freezer (among a host of other misdeeds), lawyers donated $15,100 to the embattled congressman.

Eleven congressional leadership PACs also made donations to Jefferson during the 2008 election cycle, totaling $51,000. They include Rep. Bennie Thompson's Secure PAC ($14,000), Rep. James Clyburn's BRIDGE PAC ($10,000) and Rep. Gregory Meeks' Build America PAC ($6,500).

Separately last election cycle, the Congressional Black Caucus PAC reported donating $15,000 to Jefferson, and 22 congressional candidate committees also logged contributions to him.

Today, Jefferson remains free on bond. His lawyer told the Associated Press that Jefferson would appeal his convictions.

This article is by Dave Levinthal, the original may be viewed here.