Conversation so far:
What were some of Tom DeLay's legislative and electoral methods?
used promises of future committee chairmanships to bargain for support among the rank-and-file members of the party.
Did he usually keep his promises?
CANNOTANSWER.
Did he have any other methods or tactics?
Employing a method known as "catch and release", DeLay allowed centrist or moderately conservative Republicans to take turns voting against controversial bills.

Question: Was this effective?
Self-contained rewrite: Was the Tom DeLay's  method known as "catch and release" effective?