What's one more ethics complaint where Tom DeLay is involved?

A formal complaint was filed with the Texas Ethics Committee against the University of Houston-Clear Lake, because of the reception held at the university honoring House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

"I believe the university used funds for a political event, which goes against even the university's own ethics policy," said John Cobarruvias, vice president of the Bay Area New Democrats in Clear Lake.

Cobarruvias was one of the key organizers of the Aug. 24 protest that objected DeLay's presence on the campus. The protest included 100 protesters holding signs and one small group who interrupted DeLay's speech, and had to be physically removed from the building by university police.

Eric Gerber, interim director of communications for UH, said the university takes no political stand, but instead had invited DeLay to speak because he is a distinguished alumnus of UH and a "very important lawmaker."

"Tom DeLay is a friend to higher education," Gerber said. "No state funds were spent (for the reception)."

He added that DeLay has supported UH and NASA by helping obtain grant funding for space experimentation and studies, which was another reason for the visit.

Cobarruvias also alleged that the university was plainly showing preference by sending a mass e-mail that invited guests to the reception that would "introduce DeLay to his new district."

"This is not his district, and by the university stating this in their e-mail they are showing political preference," Cobarruvias said. "This isn't fair."

To make it "fair," Cobarruvias suggests the university "do the same for all candidates."

UPDATE: The complaint is against UH-CL, not Tom DeLay as I said originally. Thanks to Patrick for the catch.