WP: Muted Support for GOP Change Grows (replacing DeLay)

Amid Scandals, Some Republicans Push to Permanently Replace DeLay as Leader

Widening corruption scandals in Washington are heightening Republican sentiments for a GOP leadership shake-up early next year that would permanently replace former majority leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.), according to House members and GOP leadership sources.

Many Republicans say they are troubled that DeLay's political money-laundering trial in Texas could drag on for months, leaving the question of leadership in limbo. And they are increasingly anxious that DeLay may be implicated in the bribery and corruption investigations of Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff and former representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-Calif.). But with few members willing to publicly challenge DeLay's return, leadership aides still give the lawmaker a strong shot at a comeback, provided a Texas court exonerates him of charges that he illegally funneled corporate campaign contributions to state legislative candidates. Much will depend on whether DeLay can get the case thrown out or win acquittal by the time Congress convenes Jan. 30 for President Bush's State of the Union address, some GOP lawmakers and aides say.

"No question, there's considerable discontent in the conference about DeLay's return, but nobody's talking on the record," said a House Republican political strategist who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of crossing DeLay, should he return. "If he beats this rap in Austin, he will be back as majority leader, because nobody's going to tell him no."

DeLay was forced to step down as majority leader in September immediately after his indictment. House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) assumed the majority leader's post on a temporary basis. It is a measure of DeLay's lingering power on Capitol Hill that a dozen interviews on DeLay's future elicited almost no named responses -- either from DeLay allies or from lawmakers and congressional aides ready to see him replaced.

more…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/02/AR2005120201945.html

We already know enough about him to know he's a mean son of a gun. He must be even worse behind the scenes and behind closed doors.

do they have a vote? I detest DeLay, but Blunt isn't much better!

The later they cut the strings, the easier it will be to topple pub congresspeople that have been riding on DeLay's coat tails. I want this scandal front and center, above the fold, right up to the midterm elections.

any time soon...he's way too intertwined in several other scandals for that to happen.

The reason I think he should be replaced is that I've already heard several talking heads blame several Shrub backed ideas for not making it though congress is because DeLay is out of power, and "he was very good at twisting arms to keep the rest of the Pubs in line". I think this whole mess is throwing them into disaray, and I like that!

Seems like DeLay is a real hard ass, and doesn't hesitate to threaten if he needs the vote. They're all afraid of him!

I want him hiding in the corner, and I want to wipe that damn smile off his face!

frankly, the better for ALL the rest of us.

It's TRULY amazing how these grown men and women are afraid of him. Just remember, little tommy boy, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. And I hear tell that you're pretty damned big, aintcha?