Burnt Orange Report

Daddy DeLay, Go Away

By Byron LaMasters

There's been so much news with the other Texas congressional and local races that I haven't kept up with everything in CD 22 over the past few days, but fortunately, Kuff has the latest. First, everyone be sure to follow Atrios's lead if you are represented in Congress by a Republican. Demand that they give back their dirty money from daddy DeLay. More at the Stakeholder.

There was also quite a surprise last night in Clear Lake. Tom DeLay showed up. Kuff has the details and the Houston Chronicle reports:

Tom DeLay made a surprise appearance Tuesday night at a Clear Lake candidates forum.

There was so much speculation about whether the House majority leader would show up that even the sponsor, the Clear Lake High School Debate Club, said it wasn't expecting him.

But about 30 minutes before the forum began, the students got a call that the Sugar Land Republican was on his way.

The candidates, including independent Michael Fjetland, Democrat Richard Morrison and Libertarian Tom Morrison (no relation), discussed local issues such as the San Jacinto Rail line and mobility, and national concerns including the war on terror and homeland security.

While the candidates debated the issues, much of the focus was on DeLay's unexpected appearance.

"I didn't think he was going to be here," Fjetland said. "If I had known, I would have prepared better, but I winged it. If he didn't show up, he realized he was going to look bad."

DeLay said he didn't know why people were surprised to see him, although he admitted he decided to attend at the last minute. He had earlier planned to attend a leukemia fund-raiser in Rosenberg.

Tom, perhaps, just perhaps, people were surprised to see you because you never attend candidate forums. Perhaps?

Finally, Campaign Money Watch is up with an ad asking Houston area viewers whether Tom DeLay shares their values. Check it out, sign up for their daily DeLay email, and contribute to keep the ad on the air.