"Considerable discontent" among effing GOP cowards regarding DeLay

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

Muted Support for GOP Change Grows
Amid Scandals, Some Republicans Push to Permanently Replace DeLay as Leader

By Jonathan Weisman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, December 3, 2005; Page A02

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/02/AR2005120201945.html?referrer=email

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. "There is a lot of sentiment out there about DeLay's radioactivity," said a leadership source close to DeLay and House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.).

[win_in_06]

1. There goes my Christmas wish.

[pinto]

2. One way or the other, DeLay's an albatross around their necks. He and his

cronies deserve legal sanction - jail time - but politically, though his party may ignore the record of a trial if he's not convicted, he's obviously been working the wrong side of the ethics track. I think the level of "common awareness" on the issue will be met along the way.

[roguevalley]

3. let them keep him. he's the gift that keeps on giving. it proves they

are ALL corrupt and driven by a graft-ridden anti-Christ.

[No Exit]

4. Even if DeLay beat the TX charges, the Abramoff scandal will bring

this ugly little pud down.

Scanlon worked for DeLay before he worked for Abramoff. I'm sure he's got many a lurid tale to tell.