Voters in Tom DeLay’s district will vote today in a four-way Republican primary, the most serious primary challenge of DeLay’s career. The recently-indicted former House Majority Leader still has a solid base of far-right support, but his primary rivals have reminded voters repeatedly in recent months that DeLay has lost sight of responsibilities and has become far too cozy with powerful inside-the-beltway lobbyists.
As if DeLay hopes to prove their point, the controversial lawmaker will spend tonight, as election results are announced, with the lobbyists who financially support his efforts.
Rep. Tom DeLay, whose association with lobbyist Jack Abramoff has left him politically vulnerable, is spending Texas’ primary night Tuesday at a fundraiser hosted by two Washington lobbyists.
DeLay faces three opponents in the Republican primary. For the first time in the 22 years he’s held office, he is up against a serious challenge after being forced out of his job as House majority leader amid corruption and campaign finance scandals.
The fundraiser is being held by lobbyists Bill Paxon and Susan Molinari, both former members of Congress from New York. The event will raise money for DeLay’s re-election campaign.
Attorney Tom Campbell, DeLay’s principal GOP rival, said, “I think it’s amazingly ironic and callous he would be spending election night with a group of lobbyists. I don’t think he understands how unhappy constituents are with what appears to be a trade of principle for power.”
And the fact that this is making news the morning voters head to the polls is awfully convenient.