Texan Tom DeLay Found Guilty, but His Appeal Process Began Thanksgiving

Tom DeLay still claims he's a victim, not a criminal.

Nevertheless, after nearly six years of wrangling with Texas political and legal systems, the former House majority leader was found guilty on Thanksgiving Eve of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering during the 2002 legislative campaigns in the Lone Star State.

Outside the courtroom later, speaking to reporters, he said, "This is an abuse of power ... The criminalization of politics undermines our system."

He once again denied he had done anything wrong and vowed to continue fighting to clear his good name.

Prosecutors argued DeLay and his allies used corporate soft money -- illegal under Texas law -- to win a huge victory for the GOP in '02, allowing districts to be redrawn and ousting longtime incumbent Democrats.

Abiding by House GOP rules, DeLay stepped down as majority leader in 2005, and before the 2006 elections, resigned from Congress.

He has always maintained his innocence.

DeLay will likely be sentenced to anywhere from five years to life. His lawyers said the appeals process began Thanksgiving Day.