DeLay tries to create the appearance of considering doing the right thing

In response to pressure from Democrats, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) has asked his fellow Republicans to overturn the rule they enacted last November that allows party heads to keep their posts even if indicted. Three of DeLay's Texas associates have been indicted by a grand jury in Austin on charges of violating fund-raising laws.

DeLay's spokesman, Jonathan Grella, said DeLay was confident he would not be indicted and decided to seek the elimination of the rule protecting him because he didn't want to give Democrats an issue. "We want to make sure the substance comes first. Anything that could undermine our agenda needs to be nipped in the bud," Grella said.

Hmmm...let us know when we should start watching for evidence of that substance.

House Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier (R-California) said DeLay "made a very courageous statement that allows us to put this issue to rest."

Brendan Daly, spokesman for House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California), had a different perspective. He said Republicans pulled back on the discipline rule because "the issue simply became too hot for them to handle."

DeLay is deft but not daft; he remembers what happened to the spectacularly arrogant Newt Gingrich and wants to avoid a similar fate. DeLay's history, however, indicates that he can't resist the temptation of power, and if he dodges this bullet there will be yet another one...and another one...and another one...

http://www.gazettetimes.com/articles/2005/01/04/ap/headlines/
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