Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Power, Enemies, Privilege, Target

Tom Delay deserves better. He wrestled the House Republicans into something like a united force, he provided the impetus for the redistricting in Texas to correct half a century of Democrat gerrymandering and race-baiting, and for all his work since 1984 he has received precious little thanks from the Republican Party, or support from the Conservative Movement.

Delay is under indictment from a political witchhunt directed by Travis County DA Ronnie Earl. The effect of this worthless case has been to smear Delay’s reputation and exhaust his financial resources and personal energy, in large part because most Republicans turned their back on Delay rather than stand with him against charges they knew to be false, indeed no better than a frivolous attack by a man known to have a grudge against a legion of political targets. Delay stood by the Party however, so that he ran in the primaries to protect the character of the district’s seat. But after winning the primary, Delay decided he’d had quite enough of the timid version of less-than-lukewarm support he had seen from his party, and the ephemeral memory of Conservatives for all he had done, and he retired, only to be told by a judge that he cannot be removed from the ballot. Now, Delay finds himself forced to return to Texas to defend his seat from a party which has deceitfully maligned and assaulted him, for the specific benefit of a party which has been glad to receive the benefits of Delay’s work, only to forget him the moment he is in need himself.

If you are a Republican, you owe Tom Delay a lot, starting with a sincere apology.

If you are a Democrat, you should hate Judge Sam Sparks, who could not see past his partisanship to let Delay quit the race. Because of this stunt, Delay will likely campaign hard for his seat, because Delay is nothing if not a fighter and a man of his ideals. Despite the way the GOP deserted him, Delay will not surrender his seat to a Democrat, nor let the lies and dirty tricks they have played in trying to steal this district.

Whatever happens, Tom deserves better.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's too bad DeLay isn't in New Jersey, where any Democrat can get on or off the Senate ballot even after the deadline!

Dan said...

Delay is on his way to jail. He deserves a cellmate, not thanks.

DJ Drummond said...

Spoken just like Stalin, dan. Let's not have any pesky trial by jury, or let the facts come out. Off with his head, no matter what.

,,, and seeing your political colors, small wonder you still fear Delay.

You should.

Dan said...

Oh, he'll get his trial. That was a prediction of the result, not a command.

I don't fear Delay in the least. He's over, done with, stick a fork in him. Even if he were to escape conviction, he would only be a somewhat creepy lobbyist without major clients. As you observe, political loyalty is not a common trait in Washington.

DJ Drummond said...

keep wishing, dan. You better watch out though ...

Harold said...

DeLay has decided not to run.

Can't blame him. The GOP caved to the media and the Dems and tossed him to the wolves. Why should DeLay stick his neck out for them?

Anonymous said...

DJ -- You're absolutely right. While Delay's tactics in running the House were sometimes rough and tumble, they were effective, and we Republicans DO owe him thanks. Do you know his campaign's email address? I should be able to find it, but if you know it, it would be easier.