January 6, 2003 5:51 AM

It could be worse; he could be Carrot Top

Fund-raising skills boost DeLay's clout

There is no greater proof of the corrupting effect that money has on our political process than Rep. Tom DeLay, who, through an unfortunate stroke of bad luck, is my Congressman. Frankly, I'd rather be represented by the Devil Himself, but it turns out DeLay is a better fundraiser. DeLay is set to become House Majority Leader, not because of his abilities as a legislator, but because he is a money-raising machine. What a sad commentary on the state of American politics

The GOP's path to political control was paved by tireless fund-raisers such as Rep. Tom DeLay of Sugar Land, whose payback comes this week when he is elevated to House majority leader.

Since 1995, when Republicans stunned Democrats and took control of the House, DeLay has persuaded key industries and individuals to commit more than $15 million to his campaign committees -- $6.3 million for the 2002 elections alone. He has used that money to help dozens of like-minded conservatives come into office, or hold onto seats.

On Tuesday, when he ascends from top whip to the party's No. 2 post in the House, DeLay not only opens a new congressional session packed with a loyal army of conservatives he helped elect, but also enters the 2004 election cycle in an even stronger position to rake in cash.

And political observers say conditions are ripe for another banner year of fund raising, despite new campaign finance laws designed to curb the influence of money in politics.

In the 2002 election cycle, DeLay steered $4.5 million in regulated "hard money" donations to his two campaign committees, not counting the untrackable amounts he helped raise for other political committees.

DeLay also doled out more cash to candidates in tough races last year than any other GOP leader -- more than $1 million. That money, much of which came from wealthy Houstonians and Houston industries, helped elect and re-elect conservatives nationwide and hand Republicans enough victories to boost their majority in the House by six seats and wrest control of the Senate.

Of course, nowhere have we heard any mention of legislative skill, service to his constituents, or any of the other things a Congressman is actually elected to do. No, it's all about money, the grease which lubricates the political machine. Perhaps if DeLay actually spent some time doing the job he was elected to do he might accomplish something of value to his constituents.

Sadly, DeLay has always been more about his own self-aggrandizement and position of power than the job he was elected to do. It's been said that we get exactly the quality of representation we deserve. Frankly, I think we deserve better than what DeLay has to offer. At the rate he's raising money, though, it would appear that we're stuck with him.

What a moron....

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This page contains a single entry by Jack Cluth published on January 6, 2003 5:51 AM.

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