Former Exterminator Tom DeLay Eliminates Himself from Dancing with the Stars

By Ann Hunter on October 7, 2009

Former Texas Congressman and Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay has quit ABC’s Dancing with the Stars after suffering stress fractures in both feet.

DeLay, a 21-year veteran of the federal government was used to long days on his feet before heading to Washington as he was a pest control worker in his home of Texas. His previous occupation earned him the nickname, “The Exterminator” before changing it to the “The Hammer.” Both nicknames were a bit Napoleonic for the small-statured politician. His short-lived nickname, “Hot Tub Tom” was much better suited for the controversial conservative leader.

In 2006, DeLay abruptly resigned from office after being indicted on criminal charges of conspiracy to violate Texas election law. The ill-timed resignation left no Republican on the ballot for Texas’ 22nd Congressional District.

The void left a Democrat, Nick Lampson to compete against Libertarian contender, Bob Smither. A Republican write-in candidate, Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, stood little chance given the grammatical challenges with her name.

During his time on Dancing with the Star, Tom survived what would have been two rounds of elimination despite cringe-worthy performances with his dancing partner, Cheryl Burke.

DeLay jokingly said on Jimmy Kimmel Live that he was embarrassed being a “A boy from Texas breaking his feet dancing.”

DeLay fans can rejoice, as the Lilliputian leader will be returning for the finale to complete his Texas Two Step.