Embattled DeLay Won't Seek House Leadership
List Of Republicans Calling For New House Leadership Growing
POSTED: 6:25 am CST January 7, 2006
UPDATED: 12:13 pm CST January 7, 2006
WASHINGTON -- Officials say Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, has decided to give up his post as House Majority Leader.
The two officials said DeLay is preparing a letter informing fellow House Republicans of his decision, which clears the way for new leadership elections.
The officials spoke only on condition that their names not be used.
DeLay is battling campaign finance charges in his home state of Texas, and he was forced to temporarily step aside as majority leader last fall.
He has maintained his innocence and had said he intended to resume his leadership post once cleared of the charges. But he's been facing growing pressure from Republicans eager to shed the taint of scandal.
House Speaker Dennis Hastert had earlier signaled he Wouldn't stand in the way of Republicans who want elections for a permanent leader to replace Tom DeLay.
Two Republican lawmakers are circulating a petition calling for new leadership elections.
Rep. Jim Ramstad, R-Minn., said Friday the House needs a new majority leader to restore "trust and confidence."
Another Republican congressman said lobbyist Jack Abramoff's guilty plea could lead to further questions about DeLay's legal challenges.
Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., told The Associated Press that DeLay's situation "doesn't seem to be reaching clarity."
The two officials said DeLay is preparing a letter informing fellow House Republicans of his decision, which clears the way for new leadership elections.
The officials spoke only on condition that their names not be used.
DeLay is battling campaign finance charges in his home state of Texas, and he was forced to temporarily step aside as majority leader last fall.
He has maintained his innocence and had said he intended to resume his leadership post once cleared of the charges. But he's been facing growing pressure from Republicans eager to shed the taint of scandal.
House Speaker Dennis Hastert had earlier signaled he Wouldn't stand in the way of Republicans who want elections for a permanent leader to replace Tom DeLay.
Two Republican lawmakers are circulating a petition calling for new leadership elections.
Rep. Jim Ramstad, R-Minn., said Friday the House needs a new majority leader to restore "trust and confidence."
Another Republican congressman said lobbyist Jack Abramoff's guilty plea could lead to further questions about DeLay's legal challenges.
Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., told The Associated Press that DeLay's situation "doesn't seem to be reaching clarity."
2 comments:
I say goodbye to bad rubbish... and have fun in the clink Tommy... I bet you will be the Belle of the Ball of Cellblock C.
DeLay will no longer be called The Hammer after he goes to jail... but he will called The Hummer :)
Tina,
...and Butch, Bubba, and Spike will be "hammerin' the hummer".
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