by Eric Solvig
Riverside County Republicans are bringing in former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay as the keynote speaker for their annual Liberty Dinner.
The black-tie-optional fundraiser will be held Oct. 4 at Morongo Resort and Casino.
The Texas Republican, first elected in 1984, “helped Republicans build a voting record that consistently supports limited, constitutional government, peace through strength, lower taxes and the sanctity of life,” local GOP officials stated in Friday's announcement.
“It's fantastic,” Riverside County GOP chairman Bob Richmond said of DeLay coming to the dinner.
“He ranks right up there with the top Republicans.”
As House Majority Leader, DeLay was the second-ranking leader in the House of Representatives.
He was named to the leadership post in 2002, but resigned in 2005 after he was indicted on criminal charges of conspiracy to violate election laws.
He has denied all charges.
In 2006, he stepped down from his congressional seat amid a growing scandal.
Richmond said he didn't think the unresolved legal drama diminished what a “great Republican” DeLay is, adding that he's been “viciously attacked by the Democrats” because of all his hard work.
“The man is innocent until proven guilty,” Richmond said.
The Liberty Dinner is the Riverside County Republicans' biggest annual fundraiser, attracting as many as 600 supporters. Tickets are $125 per person.
The money goes into the county party's general fund, which pays for everything from office supplies to supporting candidates.
George Zander, president of the Desert Stonewall Democrats, was surprised by the GOP's choice, especially in a year with so many high-profile local races.
“How does Tom DeLay reflect any change in the Republican Party?” Zander said. “It's a reflection on a failed Bush administration and a failed Republican Congress.”
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