Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Tex.), a primary architect of the House Republican majority who became one of the most powerful and feared leaders in Washington, told House allies tonight that he will resign from the House rather than face a reelection fight that appears increasingly unwinnable.The most arrogant man in politics is walking out on a local GOP apparatus that has supported him and confirmed him in a primary because he doesn't want to be beaten at the polls. He would rather cut and run than stay and fight, it seems. I'm no GOP supporter but on a level of personal human conduct, that sucks. He can advocate "staying the course" in Iraq to suck ass for Bush but can't do it himself for the people who voted for him. A coward in hawks clothing.
The decision came just three days after his former deputy chief of staff, Tony C. Rudy, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and corruption charges, telling federal prosecutors of a criminal enterprise being run out of DeLay's leadership offices. Rudy's plea agreement did not implicate DeLay in any illegal activities, but by placing the influence-buying efforts of disgraced Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff directly in DeLay's operation, the former aide may have made an already difficult reelection bid all but out of reach.
DeLay, who turns 59 this Saturday, did not say precisely when he would step down, but under Texas law, he must either die, be convicted of a felony, or move out of his district to be removed from the November ballot. DeLay told Time magazine that he is likely to change his official residence to Alexandria, Va., by the end of May. He said he informed President Bush of his decision this afternoon.
Or maybe it's because he knows that the second reason for being removed from the ballot - being convicted of a felony - is about to kick him in the ass. Bush administration and GOP members have set a fine record of managing to make themselves ex-whatevers recently, just before the law caught up with them.
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