A charity associated with Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX) has finally decided to pull the plug on its fundraiser that was to take place during the week of the Republican National Convention in New York. The cancellation came after numerous complaints were filed to the IRS and an outpouring of criticism was rehashed in most major U.S. newspapers. Within weeks, two members of Congress have cancelled charity events in response to public outcry and perception that they were really covert political fundraisers. This demonstrates how powerfully media can influence the decisions of policymakers, especially during an election year. To learn more about DeLay and his charity read More Complaints Filed Against Congressman DeLay. For more information on the other criticized charity events that were cancelled read In the Name of Charity or Political Gain? and Democratic Senator Cancels Criticized Fundraiser.