Rebellion growing against DeLay

[Judi Lynn]

Rebellion growing against DeLay
GOP leaders urge him to step aside

By Mike Dorning and Jeff Zeleny
Washington Bureau
Published January 7, 2006

WASHINGTON -- Support for embattled Republican congressional leader Rep. Tom DeLay crumbled in his own party Friday as colleagues from the moderate and conservative wings launched an effort to drive him from power amid rising anxiety over the corruption scandal spreading through Washington.

As DeLay struggled to hold his place in the House leadership, party leaders sent emissaries to persuade him to permanently relinquish his post as House majority leader, a senior House Republican aide said. Meanwhile, two congressmen launched a formal petition drive to elect a permanent replacement for DeLay, who temporarily vacated his position last fall while awaiting trial in Texas on money-laundering charges.

"Everybody knows we're going to have an election except for, maybe, Tom. Hopefully, Tom will come around and call for it himself," said the senior Republican leadership aide who had direct knowledge of talks with DeLay.

Sentiment against DeLay, a veteran Texas congressman, has surged in Republican circles since Jack Abramoff, a Washington lobbyist with close ties to DeLay, pleaded guilty to corruption charges that alleged two former high-level DeLay aides were participants in a bribery scheme. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) called for DeLay's removal and the influential conservative magazine National Review editorialized for his departure in its online edition.
(snip/...)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0601070092jan07,1,1593499.story?coll=chi-news-hed
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[opihimoimoi]

1. CUT and RUN ....... RUN FAR A WAY from the BUGMAN...

DeLay is delayed for now....

[salin]

2. As if THAT will solve their reelection problems

DeLay Inc has been in operation a lot of years, a LOT of these folks emulated him by setting up similar vehicles (nonprofits/pacs/affiliated consulting groups). This is far bigger than DeLay and Abramoff - it is how the DC GOP finance their nonstop propoganda.

Add to that an increasingly unpopular pres - who is also vindictive of those who don't support his policies (that is, threatening 'retribution' - apparently they are out to get someone to run against Larry Craig in ID due to his defection on the torture issue)... and these folks have got to be lamenting how LONG the next ten months are going to feel.

[depakid]

3. Unfortunately, there are dozens more roaches in line

to replace him each of which is equally as repugnant.

Short of a widespread extermination (read- nationalized campaign against ALL Republicans and their corrupt and destructive policies)- we're just going to end up with more of the same.

[Gman]

4. Bugman is radioactive

so is Bush and the list will grow.

[no_hypocrisy]

5. DeLay is in DeNial. Still saying that "I'll be back . . . soon!"

[ktowntennesseedem]

6. I hope they hold their little elections,

pick someone that will let them "put this whole mess behind them," and then, say a couple of weeks later...

their new leader is indicted in the Abramoff scandal! :wow:

Wouldn't that be beautiful!!! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[noamnety]

7. LMAO at this gem

" The Republican leadership team is working on a package of ethics reforms to address perceptions of corruption in Congress, a leadership aide said." (my italics)

That sums it up perfectly. Wouldn't want to address the corruption itself.

[formercia]

8. They don't dare elect an honest representative.

It would be the beginning of the end as they know it.