Tom DeLay Agrees to Give Up House Republican Leadership Position, page 1

Tom DeLay has agreed to not seek reelection to the position of House Majority Leader, according to several sources close to the situation. DeLay stepped down last year temporarily due to still pending felony charges in Texas surrounding election campaign financing. The decision opens the way for House Republicans to choose a new permanent leader in the coming weeks.

www.foxnews.com
WASHINGTON — Embattled Rep. Tom DeLay decided Saturday to give up his post as House majority leader, clearing the way for new leadership elections among House Republicans eager to shed the taint of scandal, two officials said.

These officials said DeLay, R-Texas, was preparing a letter informing fellow House Republicans of his decision. These officials spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they did not want to pre-empt the formal announcement.

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 consistently maintained his innocence and said he intended to resume his leadership post once cleared.

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I think it's good that DeLay will be stepping aside, with the Abramhoff scandal brewing, new blood is needed. I do still think, however, that the charges in Texas are baseless and politically motivated.

[edit on 1-7-2006 by Valhall]