Posted on 01/07/2006 5:23:29 PM PST by Dane
Tom Delay's Statement on Stepping Down By The Associated Press , 01.07.2006, 06:11 PM
Text of Rep. Tom DeLay's announcement of his intention not to seek reinstatement as House Majority Leader, as transcribed by The Associated Press from a tape recording.
It's so great to have my friends here with me and Christine this afternoon. It is particularly an honor to have Kevin Brady come all the way from The Woodlands area down here and we greatly appreciate him breaking up his family time to be with us today on a very important day, a very special day. And Mayor Wallace, and all the other elected officials who are here today, I also thank you. I know how busy your time is and how precious your family time is to break it off to come here on a Saturday.
As most of you have probably heard by now, earlier today, I asked Speaker Hastert to convene the House Republican Conference as soon as possible for the purpose of electing a new majority leader. Serving in that capacity, through the trust and confidence of my colleagues in the House, for three years has been a great honor, but the job of Majority Leader is too important to be hamstrung by personal distractions.
We have had, as a Republican majority over the last 11 years, a remarkable history. We have changed the course of this country in a very positive way. As Congressman Brady said, we have changed welfare to where families are sticking together and they're getting a paycheck instead of welfare check, and it has had a profound impact on the social fabric of this country.
We have cut taxes, we have shrunk government, we have redesigned government, we have protected American families. I am very proud of the record of the Republican majority in the House of Representatives. We have led this country for 11 years and what we have done has been done because we've been united as a team, focused and united for the American people and what we have done for this country.
But my first job has always been and it will remain to represent the people of the 22nd district. I have worked very hard to meet their needs and serve their values in Washington. Those needs and values will now best be served by allowing House Republicans to set a new course and to unite behind a new and focused leader.
I will continue to serve my constituents by reclaiming my seat on the appropriations committee from which I will work to meet the needs of the 22nd district, including improved transportation infrastructure, homeland security and a fully funded space program. We have a lot of work to do on the national level. We need a 21st Century tax code, we need to continue to win this war on terror and keep our people safe, we need to continue to protect our families from an overactive judiciary. There is so much more to be done and I will continue to do that.
As you know, I am still a candidate for re-election this November and I plan to run a very vigorous campaign and I plan to win it. In the 21 years I have been in Congress, I have always acted in an ethical manner, within the rules of the house and the laws of our land. Time once again, will bear out that truth.
I look forward to the work ahead with my constituents and with my colleagues in service to America's security, America's prosperity and America's families. Thank you all for coming and God bless you.
I know one thing, unless the Repubs pick a new leader who is a milquetoast whimpdydie, the dems will repeat the successful "politics of personal destruction".
Gingrich and Delay, strong, tough leaders, the dems had to get rid of them.
Are we gonna let this go? Pelosi and numerous other Dems are not only dirty as can be, but as ignorant, as lying, and as treasonessas any that has ever tainted the Halls of Congress.
I would bet money that Mr. Delay may end up the VP canidate for the Republicans in the 2008 election.
By stepping down for leadereship for go, it giving Delay time to deal with Earl, that witchhunt and a few other things.
"Gingrich and Delay, strong, tough leaders, the dems had to get rid of them"
I thought the exact same thing when this was going on. They know to go after the few real leaders of the Republican Party- and with success, I might add.
DeLay should run for President.
Delay has been a good man for us conservatives and I hope he will be for years to come.
The voters will, though. Ask Tom Dashle.
Please tell me get someone like Newt who can make the Dems run and hide.
I agree
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