Tom DeLay is an historically giant figure in the ascendancy to power of the Republican Party for the last quarter of the 20th century and into the 21st century. If you look back at virtually everything we've accomplished, he's been vital to that success.

We have Republican chairmen writing the details of these bills. And I feel very confident and comfortable that we're going to get a great deal.

Congressman DeLay is the single most powerful member of Congress. This has got to affect the Republican Party.

The Democrats are going to be upset because one of their whipping boys is gone. Tom always puts the party first. Time and time and time again, Tom said to me, 'I want to make sure we don't lose this seat.' Now that will not be an issue.

[DeLay himself drew the line sharply the day after the 2004 elections.] The Republican Party is a permanent majority for the future of this country, ... We're going to be able to lead this country in the direction we've been dreaming of for years.

The Republican Party believes that people shouldn't leave their moral and spiritual beliefs at the door of the polling place. We're just appealing to one of our constituencies, just as the Democrat Party does. ... The Democrats may feel it's more profitable to go and do voter registration drives at a homosexual convention. We feel more comfortable going to churches.