Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, speaking at a Republican Party of Riverside County event Saturday at Morongo Resort and Casino in Cabazon, called for Republicans, particularly women's groups, to join together and rebuild their party.

“The country needs the Republican Party and the conservative movement,“ said the Texas Republican, adding that most Americans' political ideologies lie to the center and right.

DeLay was the keynote speaker for the party's Liberty Dinner, and even stepped in as auctioneer for the event's live auction.

He called for Republicans to stop criticizing Republicans, to coordinate and build grass roots organizations.

“He's a fantastic leader,” said Riverside County Republican Chairman Bob Richmond. “He was very, very effective as leader of the House and just did fantastic things to help other Republicans get elected.”

DeLay was first elected in 1984 as the first Republican to be elected from his district and gained the nickname, “The Hammer.”

He served as the House Majority Leader, the second-ranking leader, from 2002 until he stepped down in 2005.

A grand jury indicted DeLay on political money laundering charges in 2005.

DeLay has denied the charges.

He resigned from Congress in 2006 amid growing controversy.

“Tom DeLay is a proven, accomplished leader that makes us all proud to be Republicans,” said volunteer Drew Sweatte of Palm Desert, who helped bring DeLay to the event.

DeLay spoke to about 130 Republicans during the annual fundraiser, a number impacted by the fact that Sarah Palin was holding a simultaneous event in Carson.

“We will sacrifice our numbers for Sarah Palin any day of the year,” Richmond said after joking about how this event had been planned for months.

Several local Republicans attended, including Assemblyman John J. Benoit, Coachella City Councilman Jesse Villarreal, Desert Hot Springs Mayor Yvonne Parks and Indian Wells City Councilman Patrick Mullany.

Jackie Lee and Jim Houston and Indian Wells City Council candidate Doug Hanson were listed as dinner sponsors.

Benoit came for the dinner after spending the afternoon with Palin's camp to show his support for the party and volunteers.

“I've got a lot of people in this room who I owe a lot of thanks to,” he said.