WASHINGTON, June 8 (UPI) -- Former Majority Leader Tom DeLay bid a defiant farewell Thursday to the U.S. House of Representatives, receiving standing ovations from Republicans.
Most Democrats left the chamber during DeLay's valedictory speech, The New York Times reported.
"I did a good job," DeLay said. "I helped build the largest political coalition in the last 50 years. The K Street project and the K Street strategy I am very proud of."
The project and strategy contributed to his downfall. DeLay is under indictment in Texas on charges of violating campaign funding laws, but his relationship with lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who has pleaded guilty to bribery, sullied his reputation even more, the newspaper said.
Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, who succeeded DeLay as majority leader, called him "a real leader." But Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., said DeLay "corroded the safeguards of the institution against corruption and put in place a culture where you could trade legislative favors for campaign contributions."
DeLay's resignation takes effect Friday.
