In a move startling even by the outlandish standards of reality television, 'Dancing With the Stars' announced Monday that former Republican House Majority Leader Tom DeLay -- a pugnacious politician under indictment for alleged money-laundering -- will be a contestant in the upcoming season. DeLay will join singer Macy Gray, actress Melissa Joan Hart and entertainer Donny Osmond on the ninth season of the ABC show, which premieres Sept. 21. It's the highest profile move by the former power broker since he left Congress in 2006 after being indicted in Texas in 2005 in connection with alleged campaign finance violations, in a case that is pending. 'Every season we try to change the game a little and spread the net a bit wider,' said Conrad Green, executive producer of 'Dancing With the Stars.' 'We wanted someone sort of iconic and who the audience would have strong feelings about.' That would appear not to be a problem, given DeLay's outspokenness on abortion, religion and the environment. Green said he wanted to include a politician to shake up the dynamics of the program, which pairs celebrities with professional dancers. He added that he considered DeLay's indictment before offering him the role but decided it was not enough to keep him off the program. 'It's not a political decision, putting him on the show,' he said. 'It's just a bit of fun.' For his part, DeLay, 62, seems to have put politicking on the back burner and thrown himself into his new role as a reality-show contestant. His blog, TomDeLay.com, had been scrubbed of political content Monday and renamed 'Dancing With DeLay.' 'I think you'll be impressed by my moves,' he wrote on his new Twitter account. DeLay's wife, Christine, said the longtime politician is a big fan of the show and has been working out all summer to prepare for the rigorous contest. He has a repertoire that includes the two-step, polka, waltz, country swing and disco, she told Emily Miller, DeLay's former communications director, in an interview posted on Politics Daily. The news of DeLay's selection triggered irate complaints and some amusement. Shortly after host Tom Bergeron announced the new cast on 'Good Morning America,' viewers posted comments on ABC's message board denouncing the decision. 'Tom DeLay is an albatross that you've hung around your own necks,' read one message. 'I guess you guys couldn't help but to put a disgraceful political personality out there -- what's next, a famous murderer? I hear Squeaky Fromme is available.' 'I guess you couldn't get Bernie Madoff,' wrote another viewer. The response in Washington was more sardonic. 'Also: Denny Hastert to be on American Idol,' ABC's chief White House correspondent, Jake Tapper, quipped on Twitter. DeLay -- nicknamed 'The Hammer' for the hardball tactics he used to keep GOP members of Congress in line -- lost his perch during a corruption scandal that ensnared former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, a close DeLay associate. Facing separate money-laundering charges filed by Ronnie Earle, then the Democratic district attorney in Travis County, Texas, DeLay decided not to seek re-election. Earle did not respond to an e-mail for comment. A spokesman for his successor, Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg, had no comment. Green said he hopes that the participation of a onetime prominent Republican lawmaker will help him land one of his dream contestants: former President Bill Clinton. 'For the honor of the Democratic Party, he needs to step up,' he said. No matter DeLay's dancing ability, Green said that the mere presence of the combative conservative will spark passionate involvement by the show's fans. 'If anyone knows how to mobilize the vote, it's Tom DeLay,' he said. DeLay already has a history of trying to corral support for contestants on the show. Shortly after leaving office in 2006, he sent a letter to supporters urging them to vote for country music star Sara Evans when she was competing on the program. DeLay noted that she was up against 'ultra liberal talk show host Jerry Springer,' adding: 'We need to send a message to Hollywood and the media that smut has no place on television by supporting good people like Sara Evans.' Evans ended up quitting the program after filing for divorce from her husband of 13 years. 