Tom DeLay

Thomas Dale DeLay (born April 8 1947 in Laredo, Texas) is an American politician from Sugar Land, Texas and a prominent Republican.

Early Congressional career

As a member of the Republican minority in the 1980s, DeLay made a name for himself while criticizing the National Endowment for the Arts and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Related Topics:
1980s - National Endowment for the Arts - Environmental Protection Agency

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DeLay was appointed deputy whip by then-Minority Whip Dick Cheney in 1988. When the Republican Party gained control of the House in 1995 following the 1994 election, DeLay was elected Majority Whip against the wishes of Speaker-elect Newt Gingrich.

Related Topics:
Minority - Whip - Dick Cheney - 1988 - 1995 - 1994 election - Majority Whip - Speaker - Newt Gingrich

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DeLay was not always on good terms with either Gingrich or Dick Armey, the House Majority Leader; he considered them uncommitted to "Christian values," and in 1997 DeLay tried to upstage Gingrich. Nevertheless, in the heyday of the 104th Congress (1995-1997), DeLay described the Republican leadership as a triumvirate of Gingrich ("the visionary"), Armey ("the policy wonk"), and himself ("the ditch digger who makes it all happen.")

Related Topics:
Dick Armey - Christian values - 1997 - 1995 - Triumvirate

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As Majority Whip, DeLay earned the nickname "The Hammer," for his enforcement of party discipline in close votes and his reputation for wreaking political vengeance on opponents. DeLay has expressed a like for his nickname, pointing out that the hammer is one of a carpenter's most valuable tools. In the 104th Congress, DeLay successfully whipped 300 out of 303 bills.

Related Topics:
Majority Whip - Hammer - Carpenter

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