Tom DeLay expected to quit "Dancing"- reports

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-10-07 11:13

In this Monday, Sept. 21, 2009 file photo, former House Republican Whip Tom DeLay, 62, dances on the ABC Television's 'Dancing with the Stars, ' in Los Angeles. [Agencies]

LOS ANGELES - Tom DeLay -- the former Republican congressman turned TV celebrity -- is expected to quit popular program "Dancing With The Stars" on Tuesday night, according to media reports.

People magazine said DeLay will withdraw on Tuesday night's result show due to stress fractures in both of his feet.

DeLay, 62, known as "The Hammer" during his years as the tough Republican majority leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, was clearly suffering during Monday night's performance when he danced the samba with partner Cheryl Burke but scored the second to lowest mark from the judges.

Despite the score, DeLay's cha-cha-cha, tango, gaudy costumes and his background as a conservative politician have all made him one of the most talked-about contestants in the 9th season of the popular ABC TV ballroom dancing show.

The Texas politician ignored the advice of doctors and producers to quit the show ahead of Monday's third round after hurting his left foot. He had earlier injured his right foot.

DeLay was House majority leader from 2003-2005 before being forced to step down on charges of violating campaign finance laws.