1115.org

When Tom DeLay was first indicted, there were quite a few whispers about a coming leadership vacuum, with Congressional Republicans fighting it out to gain power in the caucus. But despite the rumors and speculation, DeLay seemed to have retained a lot of his power and prestige, even though he no longer was technically part of the House leadership. Things change, however—and when DeLay failed to get all the charges against him dropped earlier this week, the whispers have gotten louder, to the point where some GOP Congressmen are openly admitting the need for new leadership elections.

But even though some back-benchers have begun to position themselves for a grab at the brass ring, the House leadership knows how valuable DeLay is when it comes to pushing through votes or raising money. And they are doing all they can to keep DeLay’s hopes of returning as Majority Leader alive:

House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert and his top lieutenants are seeking to avoid a divisive intra-party leadership fight. They engineered a scenario whereby the majority leader’s position is being filled on a temporary basis through at least the end of the year by the number-three House Republican, majority whip Roy Blunt of Missouri, with other members of leadership taking on increased responsibilities.

In addition, Hastert has scheduled the first House session of 2006 for Jan. 31 — after a holiday break of more than a month, and two weeks after senators are due to return to Washington. The late start gives DeLay, a Texas Republican, a greater amount of time with which to dispose of the charges, as new leadership elections could not occur until the House is back in session.

Generally, the House reconvenes fairly soon after the new year. But this time around, Hastert is willing to put the nation’s business on hold for weeks, just to accommodate DeLay—and that’s assuming he is found innocent, or that his trial will even begin before January 31. Talk about a Congressional perk—Tom DeLay is so important that the schedule of the entire 435-member House of Representatives revolves around him. The other 434 representatives get personalized stationary and free flag lapel pins. Or something.

At least they all get a nice long vacation, which just peachy in this era of war, budget deficits, immigration reform, Gulf Coast reconstruction and the like. Hell, why not make it February 31? Or March? As long as DeLay’s interests are put first, everything else will fall into place nicely.

(link via ThinkProgress)