For most of his 22 years in the U.S. House, Republican Tom DeLay was an easy target for the Democrats. During his final decade in office, he fought ethics charges and lawsuits. He was not convicted, but paid more than $8 million in legal fees.
On today's Focus on the Family radio broadcast, Dr. James Dobson thanked DeLay for the sacrifices and contributions he made.
“You fought for the unborn child,” Dr. Dobson said. “You fought for all aspects of the sanctity of life. You fought for marriage. You fought for lower taxes. You fought for conservative principles and didn’t waver, despite all of the viciousness of the press and your political opponents.
“I just want to tell you, I’m one of those that appreciate you.”
DeLay was elected to the House in 1984. After the Republicans won the majority in 1994, he became the majority whip — and an instant target of the Democrats. He served as majority leader from 2003-2005.
DeLay came under constant fire for his conservative values, including his defense of Terri Schiavo — which he refers to as one of his proudest moments.
“When you stick your head up, sometimes they want to knock it off, and sometimes they’re successful,” he said. “I’d like to say that they have not defeated me. They haven’t defeated the Lord. I’m still working as hard as I can. … Hopefully, I can do even more outside of Congress than we were able to accomplish inside.”
DeLay decided not to run for re-election in 2006. Despite the hardships he faced, he said, he is not a broken man.
“I truly believe I am the servant of the Lord,” he said. "I praise Him for everything that’s happened to me.”
DeLay and his wife, Christine, are the founders of the DeLay Foundation for Kids, which addresses education, drug rehabilitation, abuse and homelessness. DeLay also started the Coalition for a Conservative Majority, a nonpartisan group working to strengthen the conservative movement.
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Tune in Thursday as Dr. Dobson talks to the DeLays about their outreach to children in need.
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