DeLay is out:
Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Tex.), a primary architect of the Republican majority who became one of the most powerful and feared leaders in Washington, said this morning that he will give up his seat rather than face a reelection fight that appears increasingly unwinnable....I know this isn't necessarily good news; DeLay had become a dead weight, a symbol of Republican corruption, and his departure makes it a little easier for them:
The decision came three days after Tony C. Rudy, his former deputy chief of staff, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and corruption charges, telling federal prosecutors of a criminal enterprise being run out of DeLay's leadership offices. Rudy's plea agreement did not implicate DeLay in any illegal activities, but by placing the influence-buying efforts of disgraced Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff directly in DeLay's operation, the former aide may have made an already difficult reelection bid all but out of reach.
Republicans said that, with DeLay gone, they have a much better chance of holding the seat. Although redistricting took some Republicans out of the district, Bush won 64 percent of the vote there in 2004. According to GOP sources, one almost-certain candidate is Sugar Land Mayor David G. Wallace. Tom Campbell, who was second to DeLay in the primary with 30 percent of the vote, said last night he would run in any special election.And of course the problem has never been DeLay but DeLayism. As Ezra Klein says, "if Democrats fail to kill that, none of this will have been worth a damn."
Still, when one of the most corrupt, bigoted, vicious, extremist, partisan bullies of the last 20 years leaves the stage, it's hard not to be a little happy. So good bye Tom, and don't let the door hit you on the way out.
[That's all, folks]
|