| christian grantham | |||
| Christian Grantham was a student activist in the late 90s and later was a consultant to domestic policy forums for the Clinton Administration as well as events for HRC and GLAAD. | |||
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March 15, 2005
Republican House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's notoriously scurrilous behavior was unanimously admonished by Republicans and Democrats on the House Ethics Committee on three separate occasions. DeLay's colleagues in Texas have been indicted for felonious criminal behavior in illegal fundraising schemes, and his role is being investigated. In Washington, DeLay's colleagues are being investigated for purchasing votes with free trips abroad.
Despite this, Republican leadership in Washington continues to support Tom DeLay as their House Majority Leader. According to the Republican Party, no one but Tom DeLay best represents their brand of ruthless plundering that is fast becoming the hallmark of today's Republican Party. But some in the Republican Party have had it and are waking up to DeLay's threat to their party and our democracy.
House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) has dismissed questions about his ethics as partisan attacks, but revelations last week about his overseas travel and ties to lobbyists under investigation have emboldened Democrats and provoked worry among Republicans.With some members increasingly concerned that DeLay had left himself vulnerable to attack, several Republican aides and lobbyists said for the first time that they are worried about whether he will survive and what the consequences could be for the party's image.
[DeLay Ethics Allegations Now Cause of GOP Concern - Washington Post - 03-14-05]
Privately, some Republican lawmakers were much less supportive of Mr. DeLay, with one saying that if the steady drone of accusations persists, Mr. DeLay will be in trouble and could be forced to surrender his post. "I don't know if it is tomorrow or next year, but it is inevitable," said one lawmaker who would not be named for fear of antagonizing the leadership.Mr. DeLay is facing legal problems on two fronts. In Texas, a local grand jury has indicted two of his political associates on charges involving illegal campaign contributions. In Washington, the Justice Department and a Senate committee are investigating whether a group of Republican lobbyists close to Mr. DeLay provided overseas trips and other gifts to lawmakers to influence legislation.
[From DeLay's Colleagues, Strong, if Wary, Support - New York Times - 03-15-05]


