Houston Democrats

Representative Chris Shays of Connecticut had this to say about Tom DeLay in interview with the Associated Press:

Tom's conduct is hurting the Republican Party, is hurting this Republican majority and it is hurting any Republican who is up for re-election.

[...]

My party is going to have to decide whether we are going to continue to make excuses for Tom to the detriment of Republicans seeking election.

Representative Shays is a moderate Republican who frequently has taken positions on issues that run contrary to the Republican leadership. He also added that efforts by Republicans to alter ethics rules to protect DeLay reflect negatively on the party.

At least someone from the Republican Party has finally gotten the nerve to stand up to DeLay.

President Bush and other Congressional colleagues, such as Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, have taken efforts to distance themselves from DeLay this week, especially in light of his incendiary remarks concerning "a judiciary run amok". If past experience in the current administration holds true, it’s not a good idea to run crosswise to the White House.

Of course, it would be preferable to have DeLay ejected from the House, but at least Shays's comments move in the right direction. Realistically though, I think this debacle will likely continue on for some time. It's just not possible to kick out the person who has provided the backing and unification for the Republican Party right away. However, the tide may be beginning to turn on DeLay, and he has taken significant efforts to attempt to minimize the damage from media reports about his dealings.

The Washington Post reports:

According to party sources, top Republican aides now have a daily conference call in which they trade intelligence about upcoming DeLay stories so they can form a united front in responding.

DeLay staff members are linking with outside lawyers -- including Barbara Comstock, former research director of the Republican National Committee -- to form what is essentially a campaign organization aimed at minimizing damage to DeLay and building support despite what they believe will be a continuing torrent of news stories about his travel, fundraising and dealings with lobbyists.

Hopefully this is the beginning of a countdown to D-Day.

Take Action:

Make sure to ask all of your friends to sign the Public Campaign Action Fund's petition calling for Tom DeLay's resignation, especially if they live in DeLay’s district. Click here to sign the petition. At the moment, nearly 25,000 people have called for DeLay to resign.

Go to "Encourage Our Representatives and Senators to Dump Delay" to send a message to your representative asking them whether they stand for decency, or stand behind Tom DeLay."

Contact one or all of DeLay's offices and let them know what you think. (His Webster office even has a toll free number.)

Washington DC Office
242 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Ph. (202) 225-5951
Fax (202) 225-5241

Stafford, Texas District Office
10701 Corporate Drive, Suite 118
Stafford, TX 77477
Ph. (281) 240-3700
Fax (281) 240-2959

Webster, Texas District Office
711 W. Bay Area Blvd. Suite 410
Webster, TX 77598
Ph. (281) 557-8855
Toll Free 1(800)759-5748
Fax (281) 557-8899