Posted on 05/04/2005 4:18:27 PM PDT by kingattax
STAFFORD, Texas (AP) - A former Democratic congressman announced Wednesday that he will try to win the seat held by Republican House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, who has been hounded by allegations of ethics violations.
"We need leaders with a high standard of accountability to the public; who will recognize that there is only one standard for ethical behavior," Nick Lampson told reporters gathered on the front lawn of his aunt's house in suburban Houston.
Although Lampson peppered his remarks with comments about an ethics controversy DeLay is facing, he claimed he would focus on his record from four terms in Congress and his knowledge of the district's needs.
"This shouldn't be a shouting match between who's right and who's left," he said. "I believe others are going to be shouting."
Lampson said he has begun to raise money from Republicans and Democrats for what he estimates will be a $5 million campaign.
National Democrats have long ignored the district, but questions about DeLay's fundraising techniques and lobbyist-financed travel have sparked interest in the 2006 race.
DeLay has represented the district since 1984. His office did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press.
Lampson represented an adjacent district until redistricting that DeLay engineered cost him enough Democratic voters that he lost to Republican Ted Poe in 2004. But Lampson said that about 120,000 of his former constituents now live in DeLay's district.
Also considering a run for the Democratic nomination is Houston City Councilman Gordon Quan, a Chinese-American immigration lawyer who hopes to capitalize on the district's growing Asian population. Quan also did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Apparently, that one standard is a double.
"We need leaders with a high standard of accountability to the public; who will recognize that there is only one standard for ethical behavior," Nick Lampson told reporters gathered on the front lawn of his aunt's house in suburban Houston.
...Remember to keep that in mind when the skeletons start falling out of your closet, sir.
-Regards, T.
Which is where he will live for the campaign. He doesn't live in the district.
DeLay has never lost the 22nd by less than 20 points!
Fresh Meat!
It will be DeLay in a historic landslide. That crap aint getting any traction here with republican voters.
Well, no. He won last year by 14 points over Morrison. But he's still unbeatable.
It's good we all have aunts in the political districts where we want to run for office.
So9
I think you meant "won", but it was closer than that last year with the redrawn districts. He gave some of his previous district residents to Ted Poe and Ron Paul.
get ready for all the "deLay is in trouble in his district" and "deLay is dropping in the polls" stories from the MSM pukes.
Lampson looks like a dim bulb.
He isn't in it to win, just to give DeLay trouble.
"gathered on the front lawn of his aunt's house in suburban Houston.
Which is where he will live for the campaign. He doesn't live in the district."
Mr. Lampson's idea of starting out with "high
standards", eh?
Shame on the Republicans if they allow this attack on Delay to go unanswered. I personally have told GOP and RNC phone callers, "Not one penny more until I see you defending Tom Delay and putting up a better fight for President Bush's judicial nominees. Why the heck should we fight to be the majority party, when you guys wimp out?"
Wonder if Lampson has talked to the impeached ex President, Clinton about ethical behavior?
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