Tom Delay Joins "Dancing with the Stars"

Tom DeLay says he's got dancing in his blood and "jumped at the chance" to join the cast of "Dancing with the Stars. "I love dancing … you've got to love dancing if you're from Texas," DeLay told Chris Cuomo on "Good Morning America." "Conservatives can have fun too. Conservatives can let their hair down… and put on some dancing shoes."

Photo: Tom Delay Joins "Dancing with the Stars"

Fans of "Dancing With the Stars" were surprised to learn on Monday that the former House Majority Leader would join the season nine cast , ABC News reports.

Selected as a celebrity performer on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars," DeLay says there's nothing odd about a conservative kicking up his heels. He told ABC's "Good Morning America" on Tuesday that "conservatives can have fun, too. Conservatives can open their collar and put on their dancing shoes. ... I'm in it to win it." , The Associated Press reports.

It may look like the field is wide open, but most of the contestants aren’t seasoned competitors who have survived many a dogfight. To win this one, not only does the victor need skill in dancing, but also in overcoming; not only in good looks, but also in delivering for the voters. That’s why the smart dancing money’s backing DeLay. Get in early and ride him all the way to the bank. , Politico reports.