MSNBC - DeLay indicted in campaign finance probe

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DeLay indicted in campaign finance probe
Charges could force House majority leader to step down

BREAKING NEWS
NBC News and news services
Updated: 12:39 p.m. ET Sept. 28, 2005
WASHINGTON - A Texas grand jury on Wednesday charged Rep. Tom DeLay and two political associates with conspiracy in a campaign finance scheme, an indictment that could force him to step down as House majority leader.

Earlier, lawyers for DeLay were at the criminal justice center in Austin on Wednesday, waiting to learn whether a grand jury — in the final hours of its term — would indict the Texas Republican in a campaign finance investigation.

“It’s a skunky indictment if they have one,” DeLay attorney Bill White told reporters before the indictment. “Like a dead skunk in the middle of the road. It stinks to high heaven.”

The grand jury, made its last day a cliffhanger for DeLay, and demonstrated a recent interest in conspiracy charges that could bring more indictments in the investigation of DeLay’s state political operation.

House GOP rules require any member of the elected leadership to step down temporarily if indicted, and it would be up to the rank and file to select an interim replacement. Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., could make a recommendation, whether choosing to elevate another member of the leadership or tapping an alternative to reduce the possibility of a struggle if DeLay were cleared and then sought to reclaim his post.

Link:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9507677 /