Democrat Lampson to take on DeLay in Texas

HOUSTON, May 5 (UPI) -- Former Congressman Nick Lampson has formally announced he will oppose House Majority Leader Tom DeLay in next year's election.

The Beaumont Democrat made the announcement Wednesday at Stafford, which he called the "neighborhood of his roots," the Houston Chronicle reported. He said he plans to move to Stafford to run in the 22nd Congressional District.

"We need leaders who are uniters, not dividers," he told reporters in the driveway of his aunt's home. "Together, we're going to bring leadership, vision and character back to government."

His candidacy drew immediate attention from the national Republican Party, which noted the Democrat lost his bid for re-election last year after the Legislature increased GOP strength in his district.

"Nick Lampson couldn't win his own district even after outspending his opponent by nearly $1 million," said National Republican Congressional Committee Communications Director Carl Forti in a statement. "How does he expect to win here?"

A DeLay spokesman said the congressman is looking forward to the race to highlight his "common-sense conservative" record.