Washington scandal forces Republican leader Tom DeLay to resign!

The other shoe has finally dropped on Republican Congressman Tom DeLay of Texas. A few months ago, his indictment on campaign fraud charges forced him to take a leave of absence from his fiefdom as Majority leader in the U.S. House of Representatives. Then last week, he was placed in a politically untenable and unsustainable position after his bagman Jack Abramoff copped a plea with federal prosecutors to spill the beans on the corrupt practices of their well-oiled political machine.

If I were ever inclined to express sympathy for a political rogue, however, DeLay would be a good candidate. Because, as I argued in this previous article on his travails, the criminal indictment against him seems politically motivated. And even his lust for the brass knuckle politics that got him hooked on Abramoff’s unlaundered money is more symptomatic of a common malady amongst Washington politicians than an indication of DeLay’s criminal intent.

Nonetheless, this description of DeLay’s modus operandi by Ari Berman of the Nation explains why his demise was so prayed for by Democrats (and more than a few Republicans) who resented (and feared) his power:

“DeLay’s iron-fist ruling style was said to be an integral part of the GOP’s successes. Unprecedented party loyalty, powerful connections to big business and lobbyists on K Street, fundraising prowess, and backing from the White House and Senate leadership reinforced the perception that DeLay and his cronies were untouchable….Lobbyists who didn’t identify as Republicans were told to take their business elsewhere.”

Ironically, it was nothing less than brass-knuckle politics that inspired DeLay’s fellow Republicans to conspire – even before the ink on Abramoff’s plea agreement was dry – about the most opportune way to extend his leave of absence as Party leader, indefinitely. And, of course, it was his profound appreciation of the harsh realities of Washington powerlust that compelled DeLay to jump from his leadership perch before Republicans could push him publicly.

Of course, no one will miss DeLay’s unabashed influence peddling more than his fellow Texan, President Bush. After all, even Democrats were in awe of his ability to hammer House Republicans into supporting legislation pursuant to the president’s conservative agenda. But I too shall miss him. Because I delighted in the unalloyed glee DeLay must have enjoyed everytime he reflected on his spectacular rise from a pest control man back home in Texas to the most powerful Congressman in Washington.

Alas, what a spectacular fall! Although, for a man who always relished top billing, DeLay might take perverse pride in being labeled the most corrupt politician ever to disgrace America’s inherently corrupt political system.

See ya later Tom…

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