DeLay retires from Congress

[Ladewig]

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=1802275
WASHINGTON Apr 3, 2006 (AP)— Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a Texan touched by a lobbying scandal that ensnared some of his former top aides and cost the congressman to his leadership post, won't seek re-election to Congress, a Republican official said Monday.

DeLay was expected to disclose the plans Tuesday, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the DeLay had not publicly disclosed his plans.

I never expected it. Someone must have come forward with photos of Mr. DeLay in bed with a dead woman or a live man.

[Mephisto]

Interesting how, "retiring from politics," "wants to spend more time with his family," "enjoying his golden years," will all eventually become euphemisms for "indicted" as far as this administration goes. ;)

[a_unique_person]

Or maybe he just read some polls?

[Gravy]

I agree with Mephisto. The day I say I want to spend more time with my family, you know I've done something horrible.
:eye-poppi

[shemp]

Gee, this is just so unfortunate.

HA HA HA HA HA!!!! HOOOEEEEEE!!! HEE HAW!!!

Umm, excuse me for reveling in the misfortunes of others. *snicker*

[joe1347]

I suspect that Delay's decision to drop out of the race has more to do with advice from his attorney(s) than any poll. One of Delay's indicited ex-staffers must of dropped a dime on him. Next stop - Federal Pen.

[Zep]

I could say that "it reads better on the resume", but geeeeez. Who DOESN'T know?

[ImaginalDisc]

Interesting how, "retiring from politics," "wants to spend more time with his family," "enjoying his golden years," will all eventually become euphemisms for "indicted" as far as this administration goes. ;)

to be fair, he isn't in the Bush administration.

[Regnad Kcin]

The question remains: Who put the Hammer down?

[davefoc]

The question remains: Who put the Hammer down?

What do you think the chances are that Tom Delay himself will provide a candid honest answer to that question?

What are the likely possible honest answers?

[Cain]

Yeah, f#ck that guy.

[BPSCG]

I suspect a bunch of congressional Repubs took him aside and said, "Look, we're all up for re-election in November, and things are looking kinda tough right now. You're a walking campaign issue for the Dems. Get out now and we'll make sure you don't have to worry about your legal bills."

[Mephisto]

to be fair, he isn't in the Bush administration.

Yes, technically you're 100% right, ImaginalDisc, but saying he's not involved in the mechanics of the Bush administration is like saying the Devil never did anything to bolster church attendance. ;)

[headscratcher4]

He blamed the essentially god-less liberals for besmerching his good name and engaging in the politcis of personal distruction (the Rove tactic of accusing your opponent of doing what you do).

Considering liberals, little less Democrats, control not one branch of the Federal Government, the State of Texas, and their views are not farily reflected or exhibited on the most popular talk radio-shows or cable news programs, etc. Them liberals got a lot of power. They must be in league with the Devil...as opposed to the Casino interests of Mr. Abramoff....

[davefoc]

I suspect a bunch of congressional Repubs took him aside and said, "Look, we're all up for re-election in November, and things are looking kinda tough right now. You're a walking campaign issue for the Dems. Get out now and we'll make sure you don't have to worry about your legal bills."

This sounds plausible. Does the Republican party have a kind of slush fund sitting around to pay the legal fees of members for situations like this? Maybe they have promised something like the Libby deal where a bunch of well off Republicans have set up a committee to raise money for his legal fees. Who would have done the negotiating in a deal like this? The head of the Republican party? Somebody from the Bush administration like Karl Rove?

It could be a lot more dicey for prominent Republicans to get involved in raising money for Delay than it was for Libby. The ethical issues associated with pure bribery which is what Delay is potentially involved in might be more easily understood than the Libby issues by a populace that is already beginning to see Republicans as a pretty corrupt lot.

[shemp]

He blamed the essentially god-less liberals for besmerching his good name and engaging in the politcis of personal distruction (the Rove tactic of accusing your opponent of doing what you do).

Considering liberals, little less Democrats, control not one branch of the Federal Government, the State of Texas, and their views are not farily reflected or exhibited on the most popular talk radio-shows or cable news programs, etc. Them liberals got a lot of power. They must be in league with the Devil...as opposed to the Casino interests of Mr. Abramoff....

Spoken like the truly filthy godless cult-of-personality-worshipping red communist dog you are!

[headscratcher4]

Spoken like the truly filthy godless cult-of-personality-worshipping red communist dog you are!


Woof Woof.

[Mephisto]

I wonder who will be next to "retire?" :)

[Ladewig]

I suspect a bunch of congressional Repubs took him aside and said, "Look, we're all up for re-election in November, and things are looking kinda tough right now. You're a walking campaign issue for the Dems. Get out now and we'll make sure you don't have to worry about your legal bills."

That's possible, but given Mr. DeLay's personality, I find that hard to believe. Mr. DeLay does not appear to be the kind of guy who would take one for the team. I imagine that in the situation you describe, his response wouldn't be too far from "le party Republican, c'est moi."

The other aspect of the issue that bothers me is the timing. Surely, if the case you describe were correct, he'd wait until late on Good Friday to announce the news rather than release it at the beginning of a slow news week.

[BPSCG]

That's possible, but given Mr. DeLay's personality, I find that hard to believe. Mr. DeLay does not appear to be the kind of guy who would take one for the team. I imagine that in the situation you describe, his response wouldn't be too far from "le party Republican, c'est moi." Well, the (probably unspoken) other side of that offer's coin is, "You stay on in Congress, and come campaign season, none of us know you. You're not majority leader any more; you aren't the Republican party any more, if you ever were."

Remember, he was majority whip at one time. That means he knows how to count votes.

[TragicMonkey]

Well, the (probably unspoken) other side of that offer's coin is, "You stay on in Congress, and come campaign season, none of us know you. You're not majority leader any more; you aren't the Republican party any more, if you ever were."

Remember, he was majority whip at one time. That means he knows how to count votes.

You think they gave him the Black Spot?

[The Central Scrutinizer]

He isn't "retiring", he is "resigning". There is a big difference.

U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, the once-powerful Texas Republican, plans to resign from Congress and will drop his re-election bid,

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/04/04/delay.election/index.html

[Amapola]

It just makes me want to sing.

"Hey, hey, Mr. Tom Delay,
Took some money from your buddies,
Now you're goin' away;
And all around you, people starting to say
Maybe this is gonna come my way;
This is gonna come my way...."

With apologies to Don McLean......

[FreeChile]

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=1802275


I never expected it. Someone must have come forward with photos of Mr. DeLay in bed with a dead woman or a live man.
QUESTION: Is DeLay also resigning his seat on the committee investigating the Abramoff scandal? Go figure! Congress appointed him to investigate himself. It was like telling him. Hey, you go try saving this sinking ship.

[BPSCG]

under Texas law he must either die, be convicted of a felony, or move out of his district to be removed from the November ballot. DeLay told Time magazine that he is likely to change his official residence from Sugar Land, Tex., to Alexandria by the end of May. Link (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/04/AR2006040400513.html)

Notice it says "change his official residence," not "move." Like 434 other congressmen, he doubtless has an apartment or a townhouse here already; the nightly commute to Texas from Virginia is frightful. But he isn't going to sell his Texas house to move to Alexandria. Alexandria is only slightly more hospitable to Republicans than Manhattan's Upper West Side.

Still, there's a nice house for sale on our block...

[Bob Klase]

He isn't "retiring", he is "resigning". There is a big difference.

Could you explain exactly what the big difference is? He will be getting a paycheck for the rest of his life based on his time in congress. Will that be a "retirement" check or a "resignation" check?

[Mephisto]

It just makes me want to sing.

"Hey, hey, Mr. Tom Delay,
Took some money from your buddies,
Now you're goin' away;
And all around you, people starting to say
Maybe this is gonna come my way;
This is gonna come my way...."

With apologies to Don McLean......

:)

[Tony]

Good. Now if he would just die...

[BPSCG]

Good. Now if he would just die...See, now if a Republican were to talk like that about a Democrat, it would be hate speech.

The sweet smell of hypocrisy...

[Tony]

See, now if a Republican were to talk like that about a Democrat, it would be hate speech.


I'm not a democrat and I have nothing against hate-speech.

The sweet smell of partisan knee-jerk ignorance...

[TragicMonkey]

Good. Now if he would just die...

That depends on whether his agreement with Satan was the standard "long life, wealth, and power" package, or whether he just went for the straight "filthy lucre" deal.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Could you explain exactly what the big difference is? He will be getting a paycheck for the rest of his life based on his time in congress. Will that be a "retirement" check or a "resignation" check?

It's all about reputation. Lot's of people retire from congress. Very few resign. So then you look at why they are resigning. Poor health? Nope. Better job offer? Nope. Impending indictment? Ding-ding-ding, we have a winner!

[ImaginalDisc]

See, now if a Republican were to talk like that about a Democrat, it would be hate speech.

The sweet smell of hypocrisy...

Ah, the sweet smell of jumping to conclusions.

[Mephisto]

See, now if a Republican were to talk like that about a Democrat, it would be hate speech.

The sweet smell of hypocrisy...

Hypocrisy indeed! You guys have yet to get over an Oval Office BJ.

[BPSCG]

I'm not a democrat and I have nothing against hate-speech.

The sweet smell of partisan knee-jerk ignorance...Pardon me; I wasn't aware that it was okay to wish for someone's death because he's corrupt and you hate his politics.

[BPSCG]

Hypocrisy indeed! You guys have yet to get over an Oval Office BJ.If you can show me where I ever called for Clinton's death even when he was getting his chest cracked open and his heart re-routed, I will make a public apology on every forum on this site.

Otherwise, your comment is ridiculous.

[Tony]

Pardon me; I wasn't aware that it was okay to wish for someone's death because he's corrupt and you hate his politics.

Hmm, so I guess you'd chatise me for wishing death on bin laden as well.

[BPSCG]

Hmm, so I guess you'd chatise me for with death on bin laden as well.So, in the Land of Tony, personal corruption deserves the same punishment as mass murder.

Who else is on your list? And are there other crimes not involving violence that you believe deserve the death penalty?

[jj]

I suspect a bunch of congressional Repubs took him aside and said, "Look, we're all up for re-election in November, and things are looking kinda tough right now. You're a walking campaign issue for the Dems. Get out now and we'll make sure you don't have to worry about your legal bills."


No, dontcha think? :)

[jj]

See, now if a Republican were to talk like that about a Democrat, it would be hate speech.



'tis either way. Besides, one would wish for him to survive to face the prosecution...

[BPSCG]

No, dontcha think? :)There are those who disagree with me (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=1549271#post1549271), as incredible as it may seem.

[jj]

It just makes me want to sing.

"Hey, hey, Mr. Tom Delay,
Took some money from your buddies,
Now you're goin' away;
And all around you, people starting to say
Maybe this is gonna come my way;
This is gonna come my way...."

With apologies to Don McLean......


If I may...

Long long time ago
I can still remember
When Jack Abramoff came by.
And he said that if he had his chance
I could see those dollars dance
And my girlfriend might be happy for a while
But Abramoff he made me shiver
With every pol that he'd deliver
Indictments on the doorstep
I couldn't take one more step
I still recall the day he lied
When he talked about his honest side
Something bit me deep inside
The day Abramoff cried

(now cut to the chorus from Amapola)

[jj]

Silly network.

[jj]

There are those who disagree with me (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=1549271#post1549271), as incredible as it may seem.

Well, he might be evil but he ain't that stupid. (maybe)

[corplinx]

So when does he start his new gig as Fox News analyst?

[jj]

So when does he start his new gig as Fox News analyst?

I thought he was going to stand in for Crush Bimbo when Crush was out for rehab?

[Mephisto]

So when does he start his new gig as Fox News analyst?

:) I thought he was going to head up the committee for medical ethics in his local hospital?

[Tony]

So, in the Land of Tony, personal corruption deserves the same punishment as mass murder.


Now you're dishonestly moving the goal posts (cognitive dissonance will do it to you). You said nothing about mass murder. You said:

Pardon me; I wasn't aware that it was okay to wish for someone's death because he's corrupt and you hate his politics.


Please, spin away.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

'tis either way. Besides, one would wish for him to survive to face the prosecution...

And to be Bubba's "girlfriend" in prison! Wouldn't that be priceless!

[Mycroft]

I suspect that Delay's decision to drop out of the race has more to do with advice from his attorney(s) than any poll. One of Delay's indicited ex-staffers must of dropped a dime on him. Next stop - Federal Pen.

Is this surprising?

I haven't been following the Delay issue very closely, but didn't they have him mis-spending his campaign money?

[BPSCG]

Now you're dishonestly moving the goal posts (cognitive dissonance will do it to you). You said nothing about mass murder. You're right. You are the one who brought up Osama.

You said:Hmm, so I guess you'd chatise me for with death on bin laden as well.Getting past the sloppy grammar, there are only two meanings that statement can have:

Since both Osama and Delay deserve death, you believe Delay's crimes are as bad as Osama's, or;
Since both Osama and Delay deserve death, you believe Osama's crimes are no worse than Delay's.Which is it?

[Tony]

You're right. You are the one who brought up Osama.


YEP, I did. Osama, a person who is corrupt and who has politics with which I disagree. As you said here:

Pardon me; I wasn't aware that it was okay to wish for someone's death because he's corrupt and you hate his politics.

Getting past the sloppy grammar, there are only two meanings that statement can have:

1. Since both Osama and Delay deserve death, you believe Delay's crimes are as bad as Osama's, or;
2. Since both Osama and Delay deserve death, you believe Osama's crimes are no worse than Delay's.

Which is it?

It's neither. He matches your criteria of being corrupt and having politics I disagree with. That's all. You're crying because I brought up a person who you also wish death upon who matches your criteria of "because he's corrupt and you hate his politics." That's why you're moving the goal posts.

Like I said, spin away.


And when did I say Delay deserved death? You're putting words in my mouth. I merely said "Now if he would just die...". I don't know if he deserves death or not, I don't care. I just hate the bastard and wouldn't be terribly upset if he had an "accident"

[BPSCG]

It's neither. He matches your criteria of being corrupt and having politics I disagree with. That's all. You're crying because I brought up a person who you also wish death upon who matches your criteria of "because he's corrupt and you hate his politics." That's why you're moving the goal posts. So your only gripe with Osama is that he's corrupt and you hate his politics?

Is just being corrupt and having politics you hate is sufficient to deserve death?

You must have a l-o-n-g list.

And when did I say Delay deserved death? You're putting words in my mouth. I merely said "Now if he would just die...". I don't know if he deserves death or not, I don't care. I just hate the bastard and wouldn't be terribly upset if he had an "accident"(Emphasis mine) Why the scare quotes?

In any case, you're making a distinction without a difference. If he got run over by a bus, would you agree with someone who said, "He was a crook, but he didn't deserve that"?

[Tony]

So your only gripe with Osama is that he's corrupt and you hate his politics?


No. But he matches YOUR criteria in that regard.

I see you'll spin this anyway to show you have some kind of point.

Is just being corrupt and having politics you hate is sufficient to deserve death?

That was your criteria, not mine.

In any case, you're making a distinction without a difference. If he got run over by a bus, would you agree with someone who said, "He was a crook, but he didn't deserve that"?

I'd say "probably not, but good riddance. Burn in hell Delay."

[Jocko]

I'd say "probably not, but good riddance. Burn in hell Delay."

Just thought I'd repeat your own words back to you and let you scream about how I'm putting spin on what you've said. So have at it, Captain Sane.

[BPSCG]

No. But he matches YOUR criteria in that regard.

I see you'll spin this anyway to show you have some kind of point.



That was your criteria, not mine.



I'd say "probably not, but good riddance. Burn in hell Delay."I'm working on a hypothesis that your arguments start disintegrating around your fourth post in an exchange (it was when you brought up Osama in this one), and stop making any sense whatsoever around the tenth or twelfth, at which point it becomes silly to continue with you. That's where we are now.

[Tony]

I'm working on a hypothesis that your arguments start disintegrating around your fourth post in an exchange (it was when you brought up Osama in this one), and stop making any sense whatsoever around the tenth or twelfth, at which point it becomes silly to continue with you. That's where we are now.

So now that you've lost, you have nothing but a weak ad hom.

[Ryan O'Dine]

I’m actually upset he’s resigning. The Dems had a much better chance of winning his seat if he’d stayed. Would have been a sweet race.

Besides battling personal scandals, DeLay could also be facing in November his first formidable challenger in years - former Rep. Nick Lampson (D), who lost his seat during the 2003 Texas redistricting plan spearheaded by DeLay. Mr. Lampson moved to Sugar Land, Texas, specifically to take on DeLay, and is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination on Tuesday.
Christian Science Monitor ( http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0306/p02s02-uspo.html)

[Tony]

Just thought I'd repeat your own words back to you and let you scream about how I'm putting spin on what you've said. So have at it, Captain Sane.

Go cry somewhere else Jacko.

[Jocko]

Go cry somewhere else Jacko.

These tears are from laughter, Tony. Don't doubt it.

[jj]

These tears are from laughter, Tony. Don't doubt it.

But do you fiddle while it burns? Enquiring minds want to know.

[Ladewig]

There are those who disagree with me (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=1549271#post1549271), as incredible as it may seem.

If it is any consolation, I agree with you on the matter of DeLay's death. I consider Tony's comment to be inappropriate.

[Ladewig]

Well, he might be evil but he ain't that stupid. (maybe)


I don't look at it as a matter of stupid vs. smart, I look at it as a matter of hubris. Tom DeLay is very full of himself and his pride could easily blind him in a case like this one. Unless he had a heaping bowl of humility flakes for breakfast yesterday, I can't imagine him stepping aside for something as small as an offer to pay his legal bills.

Still, I could be wrong and your hypothesis is accurate.

[Jocko]

But do you fiddle while it burns? Enquiring minds want to know.

JJ, if you didn't fiddle with it so much, it wouldn't burn so bad. Duh. :rolleyes:

[daredelvis]

By dropping out now Tom can shift the money from his reelection fund ($1.3 million-ish) to his flagging defense fund (paltry $600k). Someone was thinking ahead when they wrote that law. No, I am not suggesting that the law was specifically written for Delay’s benefit.

Funny how this happened three days after his aid copped a plea.

Daredelvis

[Tony]

These tears are from laughter, Tony. Don't doubt it.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

[Tony]

I consider Tony's comment to be inappropriate.

How can expressing an opinion about a poltician in the "Politics, Current Events, and Social Issues" forum be inappropriate?

[Jocko]

How can expressing an opinion about a poltician in the "Politics, Current Events, and Social Issues" forum be inappropriate?

Ask jj, he has the complete rules of engagement for P & CE. He's just not sharing.

[Jocko]

Don't be so hard on yourself.

Not at all. Laughter cures, and you're adding years to my life. Promise me you'll never change, will ya?

[Tony]

Not at all. Laughter cures.

It doesn't cure "retard" or "white trash". So I can't help you out.

[Jocko]

It doesn't cure "retard" or "white trash". So I can't help you out.

Keep it up, Tony, and I may be able to start smoking again. You're that good, seriously.

[jj]

It doesn't cure "retard" or "white trash". So I can't help you out.

Tony, you sound a lot like Jocko, only different, if you get my drift.

You two are starting to get on my list of "political marriages to wish for".

[Tony]

Keep it up, Tony, and I may be able to start smoking again.

Don't let me get in the way of your crack habit.

[Tony]

Tony, you sound a lot like Jocko, only different, if you get my drift.

I get it. We all have our faults, mine is to sometimes let morons provoke me into getting into pissing contests. Sorry.

[Jocko]

I get it. We all have our faults, mine is to sometimes let morons provoke me into getting into pissing contests. Sorry.

Actually, Tony, it's not a contest. Just rank manipulation of a small and predictable mind, something you and jj have in common. ;)

[Tony]

Actually, Tony, it's not a contest. Just rank manipulation of a small and predictable mind, something you and jj have in common. ;)

I've never seen JJ engage in that kind of manipulation.

[BPSCG]

So now that you've lost, you have nothing but a weak ad hom.More like, now that you've stopped making any sense whatever, there's nothing left but ad homs.

But I'm going to examine this hypothesis regarding the predictable downward spiral of your arguments; I think there may be something to it. I'll keep you posted, if you're interested.

[BPSCG]

I get it. We all have our faults, mine is to sometimes let morons provoke me into getting into pissing contests. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why you're so easily manipulated by morons?

Just wondering.

[shemp]

This sort of manipulation is old hat. It was previously done on The Man Show.

[Jocko]

I've never seen JJ engage in that kind of manipulation.

Keep looking, Ace. Over there. Right over there. See it yet? No? Well, keep looking. Look harder. Harder.

You know what they say about not being able to spot the moron in the room, right? ;)

[Mike B.]

So now that you've lost, you have nothing but a weak ad hom.

You gotta love this.

A few posts down, the same poster says:

"It doesn't cure 'retard' or 'white trash'. So I can't help you out."

[joe1347]

Tom DeLay

2005-2006 Total Receipts: $3,127,776
2005-2006 Total Spent: $1,900,702
Cash on Hand: $1,295,350
Debts: $0
Date of last report: February 15, 2006

http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.asp?CID=N00005892&cycle=2006





Tom DeLay's 1.3 Million Reasons for Calling It Quits
READ MORE: 2006, Washington Post, Tom DeLay
Wondering why Tom DeLay is so eager to pull the plug on his political career, calling it quits "sometime before mid-June"?

As is so often the case, the answer can be found by following the money.

In this morning's Washington Post, R. Jeffery Smith reports that under federal election rules DeLay is permitted to "convert any or all of the remaining funds from his reelection campaign to his legal expenses, whether or not he resigns, is indicted or loses the election.

Election lawyers say one advantage of bowing out of the election now is that the campaign cash can be converted to pay legal bills immediately, instead of being drained in the course of a bid to stay in office." . . .
A fortune he apparently thinks would be better spent on his pending money-laundering trial and on the federal conspiracy charges that could be heading his way.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/tom-delays-13-million-r_b_18478.html



Looks like we now know the real reason for Delay's resignation! I guess we shouldn't be surprised.

[davefoc]

By dropping out now Tom can shift the money from his reelection fund ($1.3 million-ish) to his flagging defense fund (paltry $600k). Someone was thinking ahead when they wrote that law. No, I am not suggesting that the law was specifically written for Delay’s benefit.

Funny how this happened three days after his aid copped a plea.

Daredelvis

This sounds like a really good theory. I haven't seen it get any press attention. I also didn't know about this law.

You are saying that a US representative can take campaign contributions and redirect them into a legal defense fund, but only if he isn't an active candidate?

There is one little detail which may alreadly have been resolved: Delay was officially the Republican candidate since he won the primary. How does one become a non-candidate? What would happen if a non-candidate actually won the general election?

Bill Press had two theories as to why he quit:
1. He decided he couldn't win reelection
2. Impending legal problems necessitated a new focus
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-press/the-hammer-gets-nailed_b_18448.html

Your theory might be better.

[Ryan O'Dine]

...There is one little detail which may alreadly have been resolved: Delay was officially the Republican candidate since he won the primary. How does one become a non-candidate? What would happen if a non-candidate actually won the general election?...


The process to fill the remainder of Mr. DeLay's term until January is convoluted. As the only way to be removed from the ballot is by dying, going to jail or moving out of the district, Mr. DeLay must send a letter to Gov. Rick Perry advising of his move to Virginia.

The governor — who may not appoint a temporary representative — can then call a special election concurrent with the regular November election, to fill the post for just two months. Or the governor can declare an emergency and order an election before then, to take place 36 to 50 days from the call. Anyone may run, but if no candidate wins 50 percent, the two top vote-getters compete in a runoff a month later.
NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/05/washington/05texas.html?_r=1&n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fPeople%2fD%2f Delay%2c%20Tom&oref=slogin)

[Upchurch]

The conservative talk show yo-yo's this morning were saying that the DeLay's resignation was a good thing/win for the Republicans. :boggled:

In other news, up is down and war is peace.

[BPSCG]

The conservative talk show yo-yo's this morning were saying that the DeLay's resignation was a good thing/win for the Republicans. :boggled:

In other news, up is down and war is peace.Well, it takes a few talking points away from Howard Dean:

"We're going to use Terri Schiavo. . . . This is going to be an issue in 2006, and it's going to be an issue in 2008, because we're going to have an ad with a picture of Tom DeLay saying, 'Do you want this guy to decide whether you die or not? Or is that going to be up to your loved ones?' "--Howard Dean (http://www.opinionjournal.com/best/?id=110006574#uses), speaking to a gay-rights group in West Hollywood, Calif., April 15, 2005
"Well, there's nobody who's pro-abortion, not Democratic or Republican. What we want to debate is who gets to choose: Tom DeLay and the federal politicians? Or does a woman get to make up her own mind?"--Howard Dean (http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20050415/1a_bottomstrip15.art.htm) in a USA Today interview, April 15, 2005
"I think Tom DeLay ought to go back to Houston, where he can serve his jail sentence!"--Howard Dean (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8122027/), speaking to the Massachusetts Democratic convention, May 14, 2005
Link (http://www.opinionjournal.com/best/?id=110008184&ojrss=wsj)

You have to admit, Dean was ramping up to claiming that Tom Delay causes cancer.

It's not a win for the Repubs; more a case of getting rid of an albatross.

[varwoche]

The question remains: Who put the Hammer down? I suspect that former aid Tom Rudy hammered the final nail when he plead guilty and agreed to ccoperate with prosecutors last week.

article (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=aVdmbCvZ0640&refer=us)

[ImaginalDisc]

In other news, up is down and war is peace.

In sports: Bush wins Iron Man Competition. Ignorance really is Strength.

[Tony]

More like, now that you've stopped making any sense whatever, there's nothing left but ad homs.


It's not that I am not making sense, you just lack the ability to comprehend. What this is really about is that you're offended because I don't show reverence for your political heros. Sorry dude, I'm not PC.

[Tony]

Keep looking, Ace. Over there. Right over there. See it yet? No? Well, keep looking. Look harder. Harder.


*woosh*

Hear that? That's the sound of something going over your head.

[Jocko]

*woosh*

Hear that? That's the sound of something going over your head.

Sorry, Tony, the only one hearing mysterious noises is you. But thanks for the chuckle, anyway.

[Tony]

You gotta love this.

A few posts down, the same poster says:

"It doesn't cure 'retard' or 'white trash'. So I can't help you out."

I do love this, you can't follow a simple exchange. It's funny.

[Tony]

Sorry, Tony, the only one hearing mysterious noises is you.

LOL

But thanks for the chuckle, anyway.

It's not nearly as funny as you guys whining because I dissed your political hero. Please, keep whining.

[Jocko]

I do love this, you can't follow a simple exchange. It's funny.

Could be worse. He could be PARTICIPATING in a simple exchange and unable to follow it. I wish you could see it from here, it's simply breathtaking. ;)

[Tony]

Could be worse. He could be PARTICIPATING in a simple exchange and unable to follow it. I wish you could see it from here, it's simply breathtaking. ;)

Yep, it sure is.

[BPSCG]

Well, it appears Tony has managed to allow the "morons" to trick him into getting into another pissing contest (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=1550287#post1550287). Way to go, Tony!

[Jocko]

Well, it appears Tony has managed to allow the "morons" to trick him into getting into another pissing contest (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=1550287#post1550287). Way to go, Tony!


Honestly, do I go and rain on your parade when you're having fun? Do I?
Let me play with my toys in peace. :D

[Tony]

Well, it appears Tony has managed to allow the "morons" to trick him into getting into another pissing contest (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=1550287#post1550287). Way to go, Tony!

I have a thing for making fun of white trash.

[BPSCG]

Honestly, do I go and rain on your parade when you're having fun? Do I?
Let me play with my toys in peace. :DI'm sorry... :o

But don't break him, okay?

[Tony]

But don't break him, okay?

I'm sure you'd hate to be cheated out of a free beer come Christmas. ;)

[Jocko]

I have a thing for making fun of white trash.

And doing a bang-up job of it, I must say. We're all sharing lusty tales of your adventures here around the trailer park. You're practically a legend.

[Mike B.]

I do love this, you can't follow a simple exchange. It's funny.

Tony, Tony, Tony,

You complained about "ad homs," yet you proceeded to call people "White trash" and "retarded."

Do you see any hypocrisy here?

BTW,

Do you have any people in your family with Down's Syndrome? Have you ever worked with people who have it? I suggest you do; it may actually improve your thinking. Throwing around the term "retard" is not good form. Wouldn't you say?

[Mephisto]

It's not a win for the Repubs; more a case of getting rid of an albatross.

Yeah, and since they're getting rid of albatrosses - I'm glad they FINALLY got rid of Andrew Card - especially before he endorses torture, accepts dirty money or shoots someone in the face.

What was THAT all about? He was a fairly innocuous character, yet DeLie's "resignation" was heralded as a win?

[pgwenthold]

Did anyone else hear about DeLay's appearance on Chris Matthews Tuesday? Apparently Harry Shearer got pre-show discussion on tape. Matthews is telling DeLay something about focus group polling on Democrats, and there is something about Hillary Clinton being viewed as a "know-it-all." DeLay's response?

"Nothing worse than a know-it-all woman."

Such a nice guy.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/harry-shearer/found-object-delay-on-ha_b_18506.html

[BPSCG]

I'm glad they FINALLY got rid of Andrew Card - especially before he endorses tortureYeah. We know how you feel about torture, don't we, Mephisto?

[Jocko]

Did anyone else hear about DeLay's appearance on Chris Matthews Tuesday? Apparently Harry Shearer got pre-show discussion on tape. Matthews is telling DeLay something about focus group polling on Democrats, and there is something about Hillary Clinton being viewed as a "know-it-all." DeLay's response?

"Nothing worse than a know-it-all woman."

Such a nice guy.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/harry-shearer/found-object-delay-on-ha_b_18506.html

So I'm to assume you can think of something worse?

[Mephisto]

Yeah. We know how you feel about torture, don't we, Mephisto?

And we all know how terrorist are trying to kill YOU, don't we?

[Tony]

Tony, Tony, Tony,

You complained about "ad homs," yet you proceeded to call people "White trash" and "retarded."

Do you see any hypocrisy here?


No, if you back and read the exchange, you'll see there was no argument. It was merely a flame war.

Do you have any people in your family with Down's Syndrome? Have you ever worked with people who have it? I suggest you do; it may actually improve your thinking. Throwing around the term "retard" is not good form. Wouldn't you say.

Are you telling me I should be PC?

[Tony]

And doing a bang-up job of it, I must say. We're all sharing lusty tales of your adventures here around the trailer park. You're practically a legend.

:D

[Tricky]

Oops. Not so fast. As it turns out, DeLay may be forced to run (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4030021.html). The delicious irony of this is that DeLay fled the state of Texas in order to get himself thrown off the ballot, but the courts have (so far) ruled that this is just a ploy to sidestep the rules. He won the primary so he has to run. Flashback now to a couple of years ago when DeLay used Homeland Security to track down renagade Democrats in the Texas legislature to keep them from bottling up the redistricting legislation.

Hoist by his own petard.


AUSTIN - Republicans' efforts to replace former U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay as their nominee for the 22nd Congressional District came to a halt Thursday when a federal judge ruled that DeLay must stay on the November ballot.
The ruling was seen as a key victory for the Texas Democratic Party, which hopes to keep the scandal-plagued DeLay on the ballot and use him as an example of congressional abuse of power to win the race and raise money nationally.

[BPSCG]

Oops. Not so fast. As it turns out, DeLay may be forced to run (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4030021.html). The delicious irony of this is that DeLay fled the state of Texas in order to get himself thrown off the ballot, but the courts have (so far) ruled that this is just a ploy to sidestep the rules. He won the primary so he has to run. More irony: The 2002 New Jersey senatorial election (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lautenberg#2002_election):
Lautenberg unexpectedly returned to politics in 2002, when the other New Jersey senator, Democrat Robert Torricelli, withdrew his candidacy for reelection, because of corruption charges...The New Jersey Republican Party challenged the replacement of Torricelli's name on the ballot with Lautenberg's, arguing that it came too late according to state election laws. The ballot name change was upheld by the New Jersey Supreme Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up the case. Lautenberg won the election, thus becoming one of very few people in recent times to return to the Senate after leaving it.Don't recall the details, but I believe SCOTUS declined to review it based on the constitutional principle that the individual states regulate their own elections.

Now if a federal judge ruled that Delay has to stay on the ballot, could he appeal that decision on the grounds that there is no federal issue, that the decision would have to be made by a state judge?

BTW, Delay now lives in Alexandria, Virginia, which probably infuriates the entire Alexandria City Council no end...:D

ETA: No, not my neighborhood.

[davefoc]

If Delay won the election, would he be eligible to serve?

1. Because his resignation from the congressional race is non-binding?

2. Because despite his claim of non-residency the court has decided he really is a resident and thus eligible to serve for that district?

3. Because so far he hasn't been convicted of anything and indictments don't preclude an individual from being a congressman?

[hgc]

If Delay won the election, would he be eligible to serve?

1. Because his resignation from the congressional race is non-binding?

2. Because despite his claim of non-residency the court has decided he really is a resident and thus eligible to serve for that district?

3. Because so far he hasn't been convicted of anything and indictments don't preclude an individual from being a congressman?Yes, I think he'd be eligible to serve.

1. His quitting the race has nothing to do with it. The judge ruled that his withdrawal does not allow his name to be replaced on the ballot. So if he gets the most votes, then he's elected. His resignation from Congress in the current term also has no effect.

2. I am confused about this too. I guess they said that whatever state law says, the federal constitution has primacy in determining eligibility to serve.

3. Even conviction for a crime doesn't automatically get you the boot. But it can incent the House of Reps to eject you.