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First there was a recorded message: ?This is Congressman Tom DeLay. I?m asking you to serve as an honorary chairman on our business advisory council, and you will be recognized with our national leadership award.?
Then, a telemarketer came on the line: ?You?d be invited to private dinners with congressmen and quarterly strategy sessions in Washington.?
In the call, Helton was also promised an exclusive black-tie president?s dinner and his name in a newspaper ad.
Then came the pitch from the telemarketer: ?We?re asking each chairman for a one-time gift of $300 or $500 for the ad. Can we count on your support??