Tom DeLay has issued a statement that is worth reading in its entirety, from headline on down:
DeLay: Rumsfeld Criticism Unwarranted, Ill-Timed; Expresses Full Confidence in President's War Cabinet
SUGAR LAND, Texas, Dec. 20 U.S. Newswire -- House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) today praised Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and called on all members of Congress to support the president's war cabinet as elections in Iraq draw near.
"Don Rumsfeld is a historic figure at the Pentagon," DeLay said.
"He's a warrior who has overseen two of the swiftest, most successful, and most humane military campaigns in human history. At the same time, he's also a visionary, brilliantly and effectively working to create a military for the 22nd century.
"Criticism bandwagons eventually find everyone in Washington, but every member of President Bush's national security team -- from the commander in chief on down -- has my full confidence. I support our commander-in-chief, I support our Defense Secretary, I support our intelligence community, and I support our troops. Together, these men and women are protecting America and fighting for freedom around the world. They deserve our respect and our vocal support, especially now with Iraq's historic elections due next month.
"The frenzy of criticism now hounding President Bush's national security team is unwarranted and ill-timed: it says much more about the critics than it does about the criticized," DeLay said.
[emphasis added]
Link to the release here.
Called on all members of Congress? Is DeLay gonna keep track?
Historic figure? No armor for vehicles, Abu Graib, etc., etc. etc.