TIME: DeLay Leans Toward Standing Aside, Endorsing Write-In

[DeepModem Mom]

Exclusive: DeLay Leans Toward Standing Aside, Endorsing Write-In
Posted by Mike Allen

....Ever since the mugshot taken when he was booked on money laundering charges, former Congressman Tom DeLay of Texas has been grinning through his court appearances and resignation speeches. He even mischievously suggested recently on TV that Democratic efforts to keep him on the November ballot might prompt him to seek reelection. On Monday, the Democrats won the ballot battle and Republican sources tell TIME that DeLay is leaning to another surprising move -- stepping aside and supporting a write-in candidate for his old seat.

A Republican official with first-hand knowledge of the deliberations by DeLay said he "more likely than not" will go that route, although he had not made a final decision. "With DeLay, you never know," the official said....

***

The write-in candidate has not been chosen, but Republican officials in Washington said they have a good chance of retaining the seat if it is a credible candidate like a mayor, judge or state legislator. Sugar Land Mayor David Wallace has expressed interest in running. Write-in candidates have until Aug. 29 to apply for a slot on the ballot. National Republicans are prepared to put
money into the write-in campaign if a promising candidate is found. "You can buy name ID," said a Republican official, using campaign shorthand for making a candidate well known in the district.

But the notion of a write-in campaign drew a different reaction in Texas. "This would be met with ridicule and scorn," said Bill Miller, a Republican consultant with close ties to the state's GOP legislative leadership. "This strategy would be like handing the seat to the Democrats on a silver platter," Miller said. "Tom Delay will be remembered for the craziest end to his political
career."...

http://www.time-blog.com/allen_report/

[DoYouEverWonder]

1. LOL, now there's a good idea

If your name isn't on the ballot, you don't stand a chance.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. Six in one, half-dozen in the other.

It really doesn't matter either way. The bottom line is embarassment and one Congressman Nick Lampson. And that's a-okay by me. :toast:

[zbdent]

3. I was going to say that the DeLay supporters would have to learn how

to write, but then I realized that there'd be "helpers" (counterfeiters) available to help the so-called "voters" ...

[MrCoffee]

4. Who is crazy enough to want Hot Tub's endorsement?

Even Katie Harris would think twice about that one. Well, maybe not.

[elehhhhna]

5. DAvid Wallace, Self-dealing mayor of Sugar Land. He is SOOOO

in the pocket of Bob (swiftboat financier) Perry (Perry Homes,. INC), that he shares OFFICE SPACE w/ him. And sold him public land for a fat discount, and ON & ON & ON.

[MrCoffee]

6. Did you read the 11/2005 TX Monthy article about the tort reformers?

Wasn't Bob Perry in that group of rat bastards who lobbied for the TX tort reform bill?

[elehhhhna]

22. Not sure but if it's horsesh!t, probably!

[cosmik debris]

7. Of course he will withdraw

If he stays in the race he can't effectively raise money for his legal defense fund. Campaign finance laws apply. He must withdraw or hire a cheaper lawyer. He has already spent over $600,000 in legal expenses and the trial hasn't even started yet. DeLay is a goner. And I doubt if enough of his supporters can learn to write by election day.

[yellowcanine]

8. They are assuming that enough Pubbie voters are literate and also

give a shit. All they will do is split the Pubbie vote between Delay and the write-in candidate.

[Czolgosz]

9. DeLay plans to withdraw as candidate on Texas ballot

Houston Chronicle
Aug. 8, 2006, 1:32PM
DeLay plans to withdraw as candidate on Texas ballot

By DAVID ESPO
Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay intends to withdraw as a candidate for Congress, a Republican strategist said today, a step that would allow the party to field a write-in candidate in hopes of holding his seat.
The development came one day after Texas Republicans lost a court battle in their bid to replace DeLay on the November ballot.
The strategist described DeLay's intentions on condition of anonymity, saying the former majority leader intended to make his own announcement.
DeLay, buffeted by scandal, resigned his Houston-area seat in June and said he was switching his legal residence to Virginia. He had already won a primary in Texas, and Republican officials there moved to name a replacement candidate.
Democrats went to court to block the switch, and prevailed.
The maneuvering underscored the battle between the two national parties as they vie for control of Congress in the midterm elections.
DeLay had held the House seat for more than two decades, but stepped down - first surrendering his post as majority leader, then resigning - at the urging of party leaders who said he risked defeat this fall.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4102444.html

[flyarm]

10. LINK PLEASE?? N/T

[longship]

11. Recommended and kicked.

Link is required for LBN.

[Tempest]

12. Does not meet LBN rules

Change the subject line to match the article and provide a link per LBN rules.

[sonias]

15. News was too exciting

Here's the link to the Houston Chronicle story
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4102444.html

Sonia

[NoPasaran]

13. I got your link right here, bud!

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4102444.html

[Lochloosa]

14. Here's another one

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/08/AR2006080800641.html

[sonias]

16. Post article says he's stepping aside for a write-in candidate

DeLay to Make Way for Write-In Candidate
Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay intends to withdraw as a candidate for Congress, a Republican strategist said Tuesday, a step that would allow the party to field a write-in candidate in hopes of holding his seat.

Oh now that's a laugh. Spin it GOP, spin it! A write-in candidate - good luck with that one TX GOP! :rofl:

Sonia

[Freddie Stubbs]

17. That is the GOP's only chance to keep the seat

Delay is unelectable against a serious Democrat. The district is quite Republican, so a GOP write-in could win.

[Roland99]

18. D E S P E R A T E ! ! ! !

[Lochloosa]

19. His name stays on the ballot though from my understanding.

I predict half the repubs will vote for him just because his name is in front of them.

[Czolgosz]

20. His name comes off the ballot if he withdraws.

[elehhhhna]

24. Yep. No name under "Republican". You lurkers can thank Tommy Boy.

[Judi Lynn]

21. Update: DeLay Vows to Take Name Off Texas Ballot

DeLay Vows to Take Name Off Texas Ballot
DeLay Vows to Remove Name As Candidate From Texas Ballot and Make Way for Replacement
By DAVID ESPO AP Special Correspondent

WASHINGTON Aug 8, 2006 (AP)— Dogged by scandal, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay said Tuesday he will do whatever is necessary to remove his name from the ballot, a step that will allow the party to field a write-in candidate in hopes of holding his seat in Texas.

DeLay acted one day after Texas Republicans lost a court battle in their bid to name a replacement candidate for him on the November ballot.

"I will take the actions necessary to remove my name from the Texas ballot. To do anything else would be hypocrisy," DeLay said in a statement. "I strongly encourage the Republican Party to take any and all actions necessary to give Texas voters an up-or-down choice this fall between two major party candidates."

There was every sign they were trying. Several Republicans said local party officials hoped to unite behind a write-in candidate, possibly David Wallace, mayor of DeLay's home town of Sugar Land.
(snip/...)

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=2288033

[David Zephyr]

23. DeLay KNOWS he will lose to Lampson. He will die of embarrassment.

Hence his "write-in" wish for another candidate so the "loss" won't be his but the sacrificial lamb.

[BigDDem]

25. Alan Keyes...

please phone your office.

[Blaq Dem]

27. Alan Keyes' gay daughter ruined his career...

What else can he say about family values? His daughter is a stone-cold lesbian. He has no more legs to stand on.

[IndyBob]

26. As I understand,

even after bowing out, the bug man can keep the money already raised for his campaign, and apply it to his legal defense. I think he's gonna need it.

[skids]

28. Must be an indictment coming... oh wait... n/t