DeLay quits bid to regain post
By Jeff Zeleny
Washington Bureau
Published January 7, 2006, 11:57 AM CST
WASHINGTON -- Rep. Tom DeLay agreed Saturday to relinquish his quest to return to power, paving the way for a fresh Republican majority leader to be elected as the party fights to maintain control of the House in the midterm election year.
Kevin Madden, a spokesman for DeLay, confirmed to the Tribune the Texas congressman's decision, which came one day after he vowed to retain his powerful post as he defends himself against criminal charges.
DeLay, who wielded considerable power as House majority leader, had temporarily stepped aside. But he had intended to return to power after a trial in Texas over allegations of money laundering campaign finance donations.
The decision by DeLay on Saturday came one day after a group of House Republicans began circulating a petition calling for the election of a new leader.
Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), a longtime ally of DeLay, suggested Friday he would not stand in the way of a new leader for the Republican House caucus. His post as the top position among House Republicans appeared secure, Republicans said.
Copyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-060107delay,1,1307362.story?coll=chi-news-hed
Informant: John Calvert
Washington Bureau
Published January 7, 2006, 11:57 AM CST
WASHINGTON -- Rep. Tom DeLay agreed Saturday to relinquish his quest to return to power, paving the way for a fresh Republican majority leader to be elected as the party fights to maintain control of the House in the midterm election year.
Kevin Madden, a spokesman for DeLay, confirmed to the Tribune the Texas congressman's decision, which came one day after he vowed to retain his powerful post as he defends himself against criminal charges.
DeLay, who wielded considerable power as House majority leader, had temporarily stepped aside. But he had intended to return to power after a trial in Texas over allegations of money laundering campaign finance donations.
The decision by DeLay on Saturday came one day after a group of House Republicans began circulating a petition calling for the election of a new leader.
Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), a longtime ally of DeLay, suggested Friday he would not stand in the way of a new leader for the Republican House caucus. His post as the top position among House Republicans appeared secure, Republicans said.
Copyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-060107delay,1,1307362.story?coll=chi-news-hed
Informant: John Calvert
Starmail - 7. Jan, 21:56
