DeLay Loath to Doff His Leadership Hat

DeLay Loath to Doff His Leadership Hat
Active Role Divides House Republicans

By Jonathan Weisman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 2, 2005; Page A03

Former House majority leader Tom DeLay's efforts to retain power despite his indictment have angered some rank-and-file Republicans, many of whom say his ethical problems and uncertain status are staining them and destabilizing GOP unity.

Although he was forced to relinquish his leadership post Sept. 28, after the first of two indictments for alleged involvement in money laundering related to the 2002 Texas election, DeLay continues to use an office in the leadership suite, occasionally presides over private meetings with committee chairmen and lobbies members during key floor votes.

Also, the Texas Republican's staff continues to maintain the House schedule and dash off memos to lawmakers, ostensibly as employees of a majority leader's office without a full-fledged majority leader. And on his trips to the sheriff's office for an Oct. 20 booking in Houston and a court appearance in Austin on Oct. 21, DeLay was accompanied by three bodyguards from the Capitol Hill police force, just as he was when he was majority leader.

"My issue is having an indicted former leader hanging around the leadership offices," said one House Republican, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of DeLay's remaining authority. "This guy did so much good work getting us into the majority. Why does he want to stick around? He's not helping us."
(snip/...)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/01/AR2005110101392.html

MoveOn Leader's Statement on Tom DeLay's Corruption Case

11/1/2005 4:38:00 PM
To: National Desk

Contact: Trevor Fitzgibbon or Alex Howe, 202-822 5200; Jessica Smith, 202-236-3002, both of MoveOn.org Political Action

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Following is a statement by Eli Pariser, executive director of MoveOn.org Political Action:

"We hope that today's decision to have another judge preside over Tom DeLay's trial for money laundering means that the process to end DeLay's corruption can move ahead swiftly.

"MoveOn has been a leading organization in the fight against political corruption. Tom DeLay is one of the most corrupt politicians in Washington. He's been charged with being the mastermind in a scheme to use the Republican National Committee to channel illegal corporate campaign contributions to Texas legislators. That's why he's on trial.

"The Congressman wanted to change the subject by drawing MoveOn's 3.3 million members into this case. To be clear, Judge Perkins made his contribution to our organization long before we began our campaign against Mr. DeLay's corrupt fundraising practices.
(snip/...)

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=56025

He has removed the judge in the case. He will no doubt remove the prosecutor. Let's get real: The man is untouchable - now. Our best bet is to pray that Fitzgerald brings down the whole edifice. DeLay in central Texas is like King Herod in Jerusalem. All powerful, and all the wishing otherwise won't make it so.

from the article:

A series of faction meetings and private discussions last week could culminate in a face-off today, when House Republicans gather for a half-day retreat at the Library of Congress to air their grievances. DeLay appeared in court in Texas yesterday as his legal team succeeded in getting the presiding judge replaced in the case alleging fundraising improprieties. He planned to fly back last night for the conference today.

Interesting article - esp the role that he continues to play - and the anger that is spurring among some members.

"Tom DeLay should not be in a position of authority," said Rep. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.), who called for DeLay's resignation from the House leadership even before he was indicted. "He should not be calling the shots or driving the agenda, and if he is, that would be unfortunate."

Think the Hammer will be a little pissed when he reads this story from the Washington Post?

If he can't get his head out of his "leadership hat"!

"Why does he want to stick around? He's not helping us."

He doesn't give a damn about you, your party or the country in general. Tom Delay looks out for # 1, all the while being full of # 2.