Liberal Repercussion

robe may force DeLay to step down

Don't know whether the bigger story is that Tom Delay has got his vile ass in a crack, or that the Washington Times is reporting it.


http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20040325-125459-8381r.htm

WASHINGTON, March 25 (UPI) -- Aides to House GOP leader Tom DeLay denied a report that DeLay is discussing temporarily leaving his post if he is indicted for campaign finance abuses.

Roll Call, a Capitol Hill newspaper, reported Thursday that DeLay, R-Texas, has begun quiet talks with a handful of colleagues about the possibility of stepping down, which would be required under Republican conference rules.

Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle, a Democrat, has been investigating whether Texans for a Republican Majority, a non-profit group and related political action committee with ties to DeLay, broke Texas law during the 2002 state legislative elections by using corporate donations.

Even if he is indicted, DeLay could return to his leadership post if he is cleared of the allegations, the charges are dismissed or reduced to a non-felony.

DeLay has denied any wrongdoing, decrying the inquiry as a politically motivated witch hunt with Republicans saying it is in response to the successful GOP redistricting effort in Texas, an effort led by DeLay.

A DeLay aide told UPI no meetings on the subject of the representative's stepping down have taken place and his office has only responded to queries from members this week about the once-forgotten caucus rule.

"The majority leader has first-hand experience with high-profile Democratic attempts to criminalize politics," said DeLay's communications director, Stuart Roy. "This (investigation) is no different.

posted by Rei Toei @ 6:02 p.m.