Just when you thought network television could stoop no lower in its quest for reality show ratings points comes this utterly nauseating announcement from ABC:

Former House Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay will be one of 16 celebrity-ish contestants on this season of ABC’s hit show “Dancing with the Stars.”

Yes, you read that right.

The Texan, who built a reputation out of twisting arms, joins Donny Osmond, actors Melissa Joan Hart, Debi Mazar, model Kathy Ireland, reality TV star Kelly Osbourne and former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, among others, in the competition.

“The former House Majority Leader is a prominent Republican and conservative firebrand,” reads a bio of DeLay in the cast announcement.

The line-up for the ninth season, which begins Sept. 21, was announced this morning on ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America.”

Interestingly, the media has by and large failed to mention that DeLay is actually under indictment in Texas for his actions relating to the 2002 elections. Perhaps Squeaky Fromme will be Dancing’s next celebrety?

Technorati Tags Craig McDonald, David Escamilla, Harold Simmons, Republican Party, Texas, Texas Ethics Commission, Third Court of Appeals, Tom DeLay, USD, W. Kenneth Law