I undestand that having the House closed for business is likely a blessing, but it also seems like it may be a golden opportunity for an early national congressional TV and/or radio ad.
I won't vouch for my ad copy abilities, but during the month of January, while the House leadership stalls to try to protect Delay (apparently futiley), I see potential benefit in running an ad that would say in effect "While serious problems grip our nation--soaring deficits, ongoing turbulence in Iraq, undeterred threats from international terrorists, energy shortages, and rampant corruption at the highest levels of government--the Republican leadership of the House of Representatives has decided to close down the chamber for a whole month. Why? To provide House Majority leader Tom Delay, currently being tried for money laundering, the opportunity to reclaim his leadership position."
The ad could also mention that prior to his indictment Delay had been admonished 5 times in 6 years by the ethics committee, controlled by his own party, and that under his leadership we have seen the complete collapse of any ethical standards in the House, even witnessing an outright bribe being given to a member on the House floor to vote with the Republican leadership.
The ad could wrap up with the question: "Republican priorities--are they yours?"
Anyone with an in at the DNC or Democratic House members associated with the national congressional campaign may want to pass this suggestion along.