Lampson to Challenge DeLay for Texas Seat

Associated Press ^ | WENDY BENJAMINSON

[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.

[DM1]

HOpe this schlep loses BIG

[calex59]

"We need leaders with a high standard of accountability to the public; who will recognize that there is only one standard for ethical behavior,"

If this statement is true then I guess all dems will have to leave the government. What a idiot!

[Dog Gone]

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.

Yeah, and I'm tired of seeing this exact sentiment posted here every day. Tom DeLay is doing a fine job defending himself and he has nothing to worry about. The judge strategy is playing out.

If the RNC had a dollar for every time your statement were posted here, they wouldn't have to call anyone.

[BnBlFlag]

Lampson looks like a dim bulb"..... I went to college with this guy. He was a political hack then and still is now.

[A Balrog of Morgoth]

Lampson said he has begun to raise money from Republicans and Democrats for what he estimates will be a $5 million campaign.

cough bu##s$%t cough.

More of those lifelong Republicans who voted for Bush, right Wendy?

It probably didn't occur to you to explore that question, since the AP is now a transcription service instead of being a news agency.

I can't figure it out. How did G.W. get so many more votes in 2004 then in 2000, after losing all these lifelong Republicans who voted for Bush.

[Brilliant]

I wouldn't count my chickens. He won by 14 before the Dems and the media thru this sh!t at him. Voters don't like controversy. Hopefully, they'll see thru this, but don't make assumptions.

I'm gonna send him a contribution.

[Cicero]

Summary of statement: "Tom DeLay is corrupt and unethical, but I'm not accusing him of being corrupt and unethical."

If that isn't typical Democrat duckspeak, I don't know what is. Sounds just like Kerry. Or clinton. Or Pelosi. Or . . . .

[ArmyBratproud]

"...he claimed he would focus on his record from four terms in Congress ..."


Yeah, we'll be focusing on that too.

[ArmyBratproud]

He does not have to live in the distric to run for US Congress.

Which is just screwy.....but still.

[ArmyBratproud]

yep. that will be their every day headline.

Truth does not matter to the liberal MSM.

It will be up to us to stop their lies.

[ArmyBratproud]

REMEMBER FOLKS!

YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIVE IN DELAY'S DISTRICT TO DONATE MONEY TO HIS CAMPAIGN!!!!

Delay is the only leader we have in congress that realizes that Republicans actually have the majority.

Can't afford to lose the guy.

[Winfield]

"Yeah, and I'm tired of seeing this exact sentiment posted here every day.......If the RNC had a dollar for every time your statement were(sic) posted here, they wouldn't have to call anyone."
So, what's your problem??

[DarthVader]

That's great! :-)

[Soul Seeker]

I'm sure Delay is simply shaking in fear. LOL

[BobL]

I wouldn't worry too much about Lampshade. I think people in the district must be getting sick of being psychoanalyzed under a microscope.

The Dems would have done a lot better to have kept quiet at the national level, and let Lampshade or whoever quietly take their run. Now that the Dems have nationalized this election, Delay can simply run against Pelosi or any of the 250 other Washington liberals, rather than having to concern himself with Lampshade.

[Dog Gone]

"Were" is the correct usage of the word in a hypothetical statement. Maybe you missed class that day.

[kingattax]

ROFL....nice find bro

[popdonnelly]

"We need leaders with a high standard of accountability to the public"

That's why we don't need Democrats.

[popdonnelly]

"We need leaders with a high standard of accountability to the public"

Like "Landslide Lyndon" Johnson.

[NRA2BFree]

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.

It's time to investigate him. I've never known many RATS who didn't have skelletons in their closet. All I need are the dates he was in office, and I can check his records.