The liberal watchdog and advocacy group Texans for Public Justice has filed a complaint with the state ethics commission, arguing that former state House Speaker Tom Craddick illegally used a jobs-related political action committee as a back-door conduit to sneak money to four Democratic House members -- one of whom is from Houston.

TPJ says Craddick, a Republican who held power in the House with the help of Democrats called the "Craddick D's," used Texas Jobs & Opportunity Build A Secure Future PAC, also called Jobs PAC, to give $150,000 to Dems Kevin Bailey of Houston, Aaron Pena of Edinburg, Dawnna Dukes of Austin and Ismael "Kino" Flores of Palmview.

From TPJ's press statement:

“Tom Craddick wanted to move tens of thousands of dollars to his favorite Democrats without letting voters know,” said Texans for Public Justice Director Craig McDonald. “Hiding the true source of campaign funds is illegal. Craddick could have contributed the money directly and openly. Instead, he used Texas Jobs to launder his money and keep Texans in dark."

Craddick was forced from the speaker's post earlier this year and replaced with a more moderate Republican, Rep. Joe Straus of Austin.

Read the whole press release from TPJ at this link.