Democrats plan to subpoena Leonard Leo over perks to supreme court justices

Republican mega-donor Harlan Crow will also be subpoenaed over roles in paying for gifts for Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito

Senate Democrats plan to subpoena Republican mega-donor Harlan Crow and conservative activist Leonard Leo to quiz them about their roles in organizing and paying for lavish perks for justices on the hard-right wing of the US supreme court.

The announcement by Democrats on the Senate judiciary committee came on Monday amid a storm of controversy that has blown up in recent months about conservative justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito not only accepting but also not disclosing free travel and other luxury favors provided or facilitated by influential public figures.

The Associated Press contributed reporting