Full Text Of DeLay’s Remarks

The Houston Chronicle has up the full text of DeLay’s remarks this morning. Here’s my commentary:

Since I first asked for your votes for Congress back in 1984, America has moved closer to, not further from, the “shining city on a hill” that he so magnificently described.

She has risen from malaise, won a cold war and a few hot ones, and liberated hundreds of millions across Europe and tens of millions of Afghans and Iraqis.

Well, maybe…no. I’m not surprised DeLay mentioned the “shining city on a hill” remark. It’s just that DeLay and his cronies have led this country in the wrong direction: neglecting the poor and needy, neglecting education, trying to corrupt Social Security.

We adopted year after year of tax relief, which led to growth so strong it has not only propelled our economy, but has spurred economic growth across the globe.

You gave tax relief to the rich, presided over a national economic climate that fostered Enron and Tyco, and drained the surplus.

We reformed welfare, moving tens of millions of good Americans from poverty to work and opportunity.

We passed litigation reform, to begin freeing our economy from the shackles of frivolous lawsuits.

You helped make the poor poorer, and help shut millions of Americans out of our courtrooms and prevent them from receiving appropriate compensation for their injuries.

And the new Supreme Court is home to two of the finest young jurists of their generation.

You mean two of the most far-right-wing minds of their generation?

In the same vein, I also have been proud to make whatever contribution I could to the conservative movement to which I feel so strongly connected and the enduring national conservative majority that has been transforming our nation for the past decade.

Your majority has tried to destroy everything that has made this country great. I wouldn’t brag about it.

It’s time to begin opening new chapters and pursuing new opportunities to engage in the important cultural and political battles of our day from outside the arena of the U.S. House of Representatives.

You mean six-figure speaking fees and perhaps a little preachin’ at the local Baptist church?

Because I care so deeply about this district and the people in it, I refuse to allow liberal Democrats an opportunity to steal this seat with a negative, personal campaign.

You mean like you stole the elections of Max Sandlin, Charles Stenholm, etc., et al?

The voters of the 22nd District of Texas deserve a campaign about the vital national issues that they care most about and that affect their lives every day, and not a campaign focused solely as a referendum on me.

Then, perhaps you should have quit BEFORE THE PRIMARY.

With that plan in mind, I also intend to relocate to my Virginia property and reside closer to Washington, so that I can dedicate the necessary time and energy to making a successful transition from the public to private sectors for myself and family.

Translated: If I move to Virginia, I can make millions lobbying and won’t hurt Texas Republicans so much.

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