A lot of time, energy, speculation and rumors surround the proposed selection of a candidate to replace retiring Congressman Tom DeLay. All of this time and energy is being allocated but what if Tom decides he isn’t going to leave his congressional seat and isn’t going to move to Virginia? Now that is probably a long shot, but the rumor is growing.

And, outgoing Republican Chairman Eric Thode emphasized last week that nothing can really be done other than lay groundwork for the selection process because, “There is neither a resignation nor a withdrawal from the ballot.”

DeLay said he intends to become a resident of Virginia, where he owns property, and would then be ineligible to serve as a Texas congressman, opening up the door for a candidate to be named to run in the Nov. General Election.

“Just announcing your intention to do these things doesn’t necessarily mean that you will,” Thode said. Does Eric know something we don’t know? I don’t think so, but he has a valid point. There is always the chance, slim though it may be, that Tom decides to finish out his term and run against Lampson. Gads, would that send all the political hopefuls into a tizzy and put all the Democrats, who think Lampson is a shoo-in against the beleaguered DeLay, into a jubilant spirit.

In the meantime, if Tom does carry through with his announced resignation, the District 22 representatives have a challenging task. Thode wants the public to have input (see related story) and the selection process to be very public. “I would certainly encourage them (District 22 Republican Chairpersons) to find the biggest ballroom in Fort Bend County and invite the public and the media to the meeting,” Thode said last week.

As far as everyone griping about the selection process, Thode says “The truth is...the law is what the Texas Election Code says it is.” And, he says a special election would be a waste of taxpayer’s money.