Tom DeLay Getting Lots of Attention for Dancing with the Stars

Tom DeLay was known as "The Hammer" when we held political office, and served as the majority leader in the U.S. House of Representatives. Now, he’s on Dancing with the Stars, and if the transition seems like an incongruous one, well...it is. DeLay is apparently enjoying himself, however, and his presence on the 9th season of the popular reality show is really causing a buzz. Said DeLay, "I can’t answer the phone. My e-mails are out of sight, I can’t keep up with my Facebook, and TV reporters have been outside my house since this morning."

DeLay, who is 62, added, "I knew Dancing was popular, but I didn’t know it was this popular." Conrad Greene, the executive producer of the show, and Deena Katz, senior producer, talked quite a bit about brining politicians on the show, but Green admitted that he "was astonished when he said yes." DeLay’s political career was effectively ended when he faced a grand jury indictment on money laundering charges in 2005. DeLay has been running a political consulting firm since then.

DeLay noted that he hopes that his run on Dancing will help soften his image. "To be honest, I hope people will see another side of Tom DeLay. But you can’t be a Texan and not love to dance. I’ve always been able to two-step and polka. My wife and I even took disco when that was hot." DeLay added that his political career, as well as his legions of both supporters and detractors, could make for an interesting show. "My political enemies aren’t going to vote for me, and I’m still indicted. But this isn’t an election. At least viewers can’t vote against you."