LIZARD KING DEPOSED
DeLay quits top House post

From the AP via the Houston Chronicle:

Embattled Rep. Tom DeLay today abandoned his bid to remain as House majority leader, clearing the way for leadership elections among Republicans eager to shed the taint of scandal.

In a letter to rank-and-file Republicans, DeLay said, "During my time in Congress, I have always acted in an ethical manner within the rules of our body and the laws of our land. I am fully confident time will bear this out."

At the same time, "I cannot allow our adversaries to divide and distract our attention," the Texas Republican wrote.

DeLay is battling campaign finance charges in Texas and was forced to step aside temporarily as majority leader last fall after he was charged in his home state. He has been trying to clear his name and, until Saturday, resume his leadership role.

And

DeLay acted hours after a small vanguard of Republicans circulated a petition calling for leadership elections and citing DeLay's legal problems as well as his long ties to Abramoff.

Republican rules permit an election to fill the vacancy, and aides to Reps. Jeff Flake of Arizona and Charles Bass of New Hampshire said on Friday that the lawmakers' petition would allow the rank and file to pick new leadership quickly.

"The developments with Abramoff have "brought home the fact that we need not just new leaders but a course correction," Flake said.

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Back in the 90s, before Bush stole the 2000 election in Florida, before 9/11 gave the conservatives a handy justification to rape and pillage the nation, Tom DeLay was riding high. Already a powerful Republican, he became even more powerful when the "Radical Republicans" came and took over Congress in 1994: that's when he kickstarted his illegal and corrupt money and influence-peddling machine that made scores of GOP politicians beholden to him. One can argue that by the time the House was impeaching President Clinton, he was at the arrogant apex of his strength. Around that time my old pal Brad and I ended up watching some CNN together while I was visiting Austin or he was in Houston. DeLay appeared on the screen, being interviewed about the impeachment.

Brad spoke from his heart, "I want him to die."

I countered with something to the effect, "No, that's bad karma. We should want him to be stripped of power and humiliated."

My old friend agreed that's much better than wishing death on someone, but to this day I totally understand where he was coming from. Tom DeLay has made a mockery of democracy. But now the chickens are coming home to roost. And it looks like the deposed Lizard King has egg all over his face. In effect, DeLay is now stripped of power and humiliated.

That's gotta be good karma. Or, at least, instant karma. Heh: DeLayed karma.

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