(Tom) DeLay says departure disrupts Dems' strategy

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-06-06-delay-democrats_x.htm

DeLay says departure disrupts Dems' strategy

WASHINGTON — Rep. Tom DeLay said Tuesday that his decision to quit the House he once helped lead may keep Republicans in the majority.

The former House majority leader, speaking in the near-empty office he will vacate Friday, was a favorite target of Democrats, who made his legal troubles the centerpiece of a campaign accusing Republicans of a "culture of corruption."

DeLay, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, told USA TODAY his departure "makes it very difficult for them to continue that strategy."

Democrats don't disagree. The party's most senior House member, John Dingell of Michigan, said: "It will be helpful to Democrats if he were to stay. ... We will miss him."