DeLay ordered to say cheese.

Get ready to hear the Fox-coined phrase "criminalization of politics" from your local right-wing pundit. Because something wonderful has happened to the corrupt Texas politician. Hopefully Fitzgerald's Plame investigation will produce fruit as sweet as this.

A Texas court issued a warrant Wednesday for former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay to appear for booking, where he is likely to face the fingerprinting and photo mug shot he had hoped to avoid.

Bail was initially set at $10,000 as a routine step before his first court appearance on conspiracy and money laundering charges. Travis County court officials said DeLay was ordered to appear at the Fort Bend County jail for booking.

The warrant was "a matter of routine and bond will be posted," DeLay attorney Dick DeGuerin said.

The lawyer declined to say when DeLay would surrender to authorities but said the lawmaker would make his first court appearance Friday morning.

Every progressive with an Internet connection is champing at the bit to obtain the mugshot. Believe me, if one turns up you'll see it right here-- complete with indicted snap-on hair.