CNN/AP: Texas Democrats stump for DeLay

[DeepModem Mom]

Texas Democrats stump for DeLay
Dems want tainted former lawmaker's name to remain on ballot
Friday, July 21, 2006

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Texas Democrats on Friday urged a federal appeals court to uphold a judges' ruling that former U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, a Republican, must remain on the fall election ballot in the race for his suburban Houston congressional seat.

Despite DeLay's efforts to resign and Republicans' attempts to get a new candidate, U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks ruled earlier this month the embattled former House majority leader must stay on the November ballot.

The case is now before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, Louisiana, which is scheduled to take it up July 31.

Political parties "are not free to make a mockery of the electoral process" or play "shell games with nominees in order to retain a seat in Congress at any cost," Democrats said in court briefs.

DeLay, who is awaiting trial on Texas charges of money laundering and conspiracy in a campaign finance case, resigned from Congress on June 9 after he already had won his party's nomination....

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/07/21/dems.delay.ap/index.html

[LeftCoast]

1. I'd hardly call that 'stumping for DeLay'

In any case, every day this goes on helps Lampson's campaign.

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. When does his trial start?

I know a bunch of Dems who would be willing to stand out front and hand out campaign literature for him during his trial. :rofl:

[Mz Pip]

3. Be careful what you wish for

The added attention by Dems might just galvanize the wackos who love DeLay so much. These idiots would elect a rock if they thought it was a good Christian Bush supporting anti-abortion rock.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[PaDem]

4. agreed.........

I'm trying to figure out why this is a good strategy. I don't think Lampson or anyone else has a snowball's chance in hell of beating Delay in that district. It may be a moot point as I doubt the Democratic candidate has much chance against any (R) in that neck of the woods. Frankly I'd prefer another Republican coming out of that district to Delay, who is ruthless and knows the ropes in DC.

[Johnyawl]

5. Nonsense...

...Delay has become a divisive figure, forever tainted with the stench of corruption. I'd love for him to get reelected, just so the rest of the country understands what the repugs really stand for. It won't hurt the Dems at all for him to win this election.

[rusty_parts2001]

6. The view from the part of Texas (Gulf Coast) is that....

Lampson has an excellent chance of beating Delay or any other Republican who may run. Delay is just about broke, and will have campaign limits imposed upon him in his legal defense fund. Thats why he's fighting so hard now to get off the ticket, so he can stay out of jail and pay his lawyers.

[Johnyawl]

9. Even better

That's great news, I'm pulling for Lamson. But I believe my point is still valid. Delay on the ballot, or winning an election, only reminds the American people of the 'culture of corruption' that the repugs have brought us. Which is why the repugs have been so keen to get his ass off the ballot.

[FredScuttle]

11. Let the nutjobs elect him

We'll finally have an equalizer for Marion Barry.

[struggle4progress]

13. Tom DeLay Tells Why He's Quitting (TIME / April 06)

By MIKE ALLEN/SUGAR LAND, TEXAS

... "I'm a realist. I've been around awhile. I can evaluate political situations," DeLay told TIME ..".. I just felt like I didn't want to risk the seat ..." http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1179853,00.html


12/05/2005 - Updated 09:01 PM ET
USA TODAY/CNN GALLUP POLL
Tom DeLay poll

Results are based on telephone interviews with 803 adults in the 22nd Congressional district in Texas, aged 18+, conducted December 1-4, 2005.. For results based on the total sample of adults in the 22nd Congressional district in Texas, one can say with 95% confidence that the margin of sampling error is ±4 percentage points.

1. If Tom DeLay runs for re-election in 2006, in general, are you more likely to vote for the Republican candidate Tom DeLay or for the Democratic Party's candidate for Congress?

DeLay Democratic candidate Other (vol.) No opinion
Registered Voters
2005 Dec 1-4
36      49              3         12
All Residents
2005 Dec 1-4
34      47              4         15
http://www.usatoday.com/news/polls/2005-12-05-delay-poll.htm

[RangerSmith]

7. It's also one of

those things(ballot situation) that the Dems will eventually need someday.

Let it go.

[Roy]

10. Fine... Let the whackos elect.....

They will look as stupid as he when he resigns again the day after taking the oath of office while Texas Dems ROFL.

[Jack Rabbit]

8. Yes, let's keep the poster boy of GOP corruption visible

[FredScuttle]

12. That headline sucks

Since when does going to court to ensure election laws are followed = stumping for Delay? Why isn't the article headlined "Texas Republicans Run From Delay Faster than a Chickenhawk from a Recruiting Center"?

[Tippy]

14. Because many people only read headlines......

CNN is backing Delay.