Berkeley Forum

Tom Delay finally stepped down. Delay will be remembered as one of the most powerful majority leaders in the history of the House of Representatives. He was elected to his seat in the 22nd district of Texas almost 21 years ago, becoming the first Republican Fort Bend County ever elected to the United States Congress.
Delay’s reign as majority leader, in my opinion, was a golden era for Republicans. Under the leadership of Delay, nicknamed "the hammer," the GOP sustained its majority in the House and passed virtually every piece of legislation brought to the floor by prominent Republicans. Delay’s aggressive redistricting in Texas increased the number of Republican representatives in the House, making a red state even redder. Putting all these corruption allegations aside,in my opinion, Delay is a good example of a strong and agressive leader. He is exactly what the Democrats so desperately need. It is going to be a difficult task for John Boehner to fill the shoes of such a leader.
-Arash Aramesh