House to Delay: We Don't Mind An Indictment!

Sigh. Back when the GOP was the minority and was trying to prove they were the more ethical party, they passed a party rule that no congressperson could serve as a leader of the party if they were under indictment. It was a stark contrast to the Democratic majority of the time which had several of its leaders under active investigation for corruption. A good way to lead a party that prides itself on "moral values." Well, apparently it no longer makes sense now that the GOP is comfortable in its majority.

House Republicans demonstrated their loyalty to Majority Leader Tom DeLay on Wednesday, changing a party rule that would have cost him his leadership post if he were indicted by a Texas grand jury that has charged three of his associates....The dilemma was to shield DeLay in a case that he views as political, while not giving blanket protection to any leader indicted for a crime that clearly has no political overtones. During the closed debate that spanned four hours, with breaks, someone even questioned whether a leader charged with murder could retain his or her post, according to a House aide who was present. Such questions would be handled in the case-by-case review.

Listen, I understand the business of politics and how the "special prosecutor" has become a weapon to attack incumbents who have done nothing wrong. But this was a good rule and you can't tell me that the Republican Party has no one to stand in for DeLay while he answers these charges. Restore the rule, please, and let the chips fall where they may. But if it was right for the minority, it is right for the majority.