Just saw this come across on the Austin-American Statesman.

The state's largest business organization pleaded guilty today to violating campaign finance law six years after helping elect a slate of Republican lawmakers.

That slate included Sid Miller, Texas House District 59.

The Texas Association of Business pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge, unlawful direct campaign expenditure, and paid a $10,000 fine.

Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle claimed victory for the people of Texas, but the settlement was a setback for Earle, who had pursued felony charges of unlawful political contributions by a corporation.

Those charges were dropped today with an agreement that they can be re-filed if the association violates the law in the next year.

So it looks like it was some kind of deal. Wonder if it's because so many of the Republican House Legislators were subpoenaed to appear, including Sid Miller?

More on this-background.

And finally, here's Hammond

"I now recognize that while working as a salaried employee of the Texas Association of Business, it was a violation of the law to expressly advocate for the election of these candidates," Hammond told reporters today. "I take full responsibility for my actions. I apologize to the voters of Texas and to the members of the Texas Association of Business."