DeLay decision creates more problems for Repubs

Tom DeLay has announced that he will not attempt to regain his House leadership post. The LA Times describes how this solution carries its own problems with it.

"While Tom DeLay was a public-relations nightmare, he also was a strong leader, a talented vote counter, arm twister and strategist," said Charlie Cook, a Washington political analyst who publishes the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. "Since he stepped down three months ago, it's been a horror show for House Republicans."

DeLay was clearly missed by his colleagues, but he also had become damaged goods. And after former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who had close ties to DeLay, pleaded guilty last week to corruption charges and sent many Republicans running for political cover, it became clear to some that DeLay would have to go if the GOP had any hope of changing the subject in this year's congressional campaigns.

"You don't want that kind of distraction moving forward in 2006," said Bill McInturff, a Republican pollster. Now, every Republican House member "doesn't have to go around answering the question, 'Do you think Tom DeLay should resign?' "

Instead, Republicans face another political question: How much more do they need to do — in making leadership changes and embracing legislative initiatives such as tighter rules for lobbyists — to truly distance their party from the taint of the Abramoff scandal?

Some Republicans believe an aggressive anti-corruption agenda is needed. They argue that although DeLay may no longer loom as a leadership figure, his imprint will remain on the way the party raises money and conducts legislative strategy.

What's that old toast? "Confusion to your enemies!"

Let's all lift a glass.