All DeLay Has To Run On Is Pork

That's what I get from this AAS article today, Unrepentant DeLay stresses pork:

Forget his national reputation as a fiscal conservative; DeLay in re-election mode is emphasizing that he can bring home pork. His handouts claim more than $1 billion in federal dollars to Houston-area transportation projects, the port, NASA, universities and law enforcement.

Forced from the majority leader's job because of a money-laundering indictment, DeLay tells constituents that his post on the House Appropriations Committee is the "perfect perch" from which to continue delivering federal money to the Houston area.

DeLay even emphasizes the use of earmarks: money designated by individual members for their districts with little oversight.

"Quite frankly," DeLay says of transportation dollars, we're "using earmarks to force dollars into this region."

His supporters at the Houston Realty Breakfast Club, where DeLay campaigned last week, picked up the refrain.

"You can't be replaced without hurting Houston or Texas," said Joe Slovacek of the HooverSlovacek law firm, introducing DeLay to an audience of about 200 real estate developers, lenders and lawyers. Jim Kollaer, a partner with the Staubach Co., joined in, "He's brought the bacon home."

That's his new campaign slogan, "No one brings home the bacon like Tom DeLay"! So after all his many years in Congress this is all that's left. If you don't reelect me the money train from D.C. will move on down the tracks and stop here no more. I'll give Houston, and Sugarland, a better choice. When the U.S. House changes to Democratic control wouldn't you be better off, under Mr. DeLay's scenario, if you had a Democratic Congressman?

It's also an ironic twist for DeLay. As a "Reagan Conservative" he ran for less government and government spending. Now is now fighting for his life saying he's the one that can deliver the government cash. Do you remember the from last year, DeLay declares 'victory' in war on budget fat?

"My answer to those that want to offset the spending is sure, bring me the offsets, I'll be glad to do it. But nobody has been able to come up with any yet," the Texas Republican told reporters at his weekly briefing.

Asked if that meant the government was running at peak efficiency, Mr. DeLay said, "Yes, after 11 years of Republican majority we've pared it down pretty good."

It certainly showe up after Hurricane Katrina. It's sad really. All he has left is an attempt to buy votes with government pork. How conservative is that?