Wilson invites DeLay as guest
BY TIM DONNELLY, The Island Packet
Published Wednesday, August 17th, 2005
U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson is holding a campaign fundraiser Friday on Hilton Head Island that features House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, the embattled Texas Republican who has been investigated and criticized for several charges of ethics violations.
But despite the negative publicity that has surrounded DeLay for the past year, Wilson said Tuesday that he thought DeLay's presence at his event, a golf tournament, will be a lightning rod for support, not criticism.
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For Wilson, a congressman who has served the Lowcountry area, including Beaufort County, since 2001, this will be his third golf fundraiser on the island and the second featuring DeLay. The first year's guest was Rep. Ernie Istook, R-Oklahoma.
Wilson said DeLay asked to be invited back to this year's event. There was no discussion about replacing him with another guest due to the controversy.
"I was more determined than ever," Wilson said. "I want people to get to know who he is. I'm confident the charges against him are fabricated, exaggerated. I know Tom DeLay is a person of integrity. He has epitomized to me what a public official could be."
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http://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/story/5107829p-4651037c.html
Rep. Joe Wilson