What I've come across indicates that far more people despise the man than admire him. In fact, I could not find one article in which DeLay was actually praised for anything he did.
His detractors far outnumber his supporters. The only positive press he gets emanates either from his own office or "loyal Republican supporters" on the Hill.
After scouring major newspapers across the country, including the Houston Chronicle, I was unable to find so much as one quote from any Sugarland area constituent in favor of DeLay.
Let me back up for a moment. Earlier I referred to DeLay's "loyal Republican supporters." This is, by most accounts, an oxymoron when applied to Ol' Tom.
There are some members of the GOP, I'm sure, who are undoubtedly of the same mindset as the Congressional Bossman.
My research indicates, however, that in reality a majority of Congressional Republicans finds it prudent to not displease "The Hammer." Let's face it; he didn't acquire that nickname by accident. This fear of DeLay's wrath and willingness to eviscerate anyone who would dare to disagree with him extends into the Senate, and right up to George W. Bush himself.
However, since his antics, and revelations, of the past several weeks, people like Bill Frist and other seem to be putting some distance between themselves and Ol' Tom.
It seems the only branch of government DeLay can't get under his thumb is the Judiciary - and that infuriates him no end.
His latest tirade aimed at Federal justices following the intrusion into Terri Schiavo's privacy is not the first time he's threatened the Judiciary. In 1997, DeLay was quoted in The Washington Post: "The judges need to be intimidated. They need to uphold the Constitution. If they don't behave, we're going to go after them in a big way."
Following the 2000 Presidential Election, it was DeLay staff members who rounded up Capitol Hill aides to go to Miami-Dade County on November 28 and foment a riot to disrupt the recount - at the expense of the Bush campaign. One week later they were back at the elections office and stopped the recount long enough for Karl Rove" er, Bush to get the Supreme Court's lopsided, Constitutionally questionable decision.
Whenever he doesn't like a court decision, DeLay rails on about how the Judges are acting with no regard for the Constitution, and they need to be dealt with harshly. Which is the same reaction of your basic, run-of-the-mill despot.
DeLay's utter contempt for the Courts of this land is nothing less than disgraceful in a member of Congress. Then again, he's a disgrace to Congress in virtually all respects.
Isn't it ironic how those who bully their way far beyond the level of leadership they have any right to achieve attempt to usurp the freedoms of the masses, then invoke the Constitution when things don't go their way?
And from where does DeLay derive his expertise on Constitutional law? It seems to me that any person who rises to the position of Judge in any court, especially at the Federal level, would be a tad more knowledgeable than someone who made his living as an exterminator of common vermin. Fortunately, Federal Justices are the responsibility of the Senate and not the House.
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