- A Texas prosecutor who is leading an investigation into possible illegal campaign spending lashed out at congressional Republicans on Tuesday for changing their rules in order to protect House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.
The House Republicans repealed a rule that automatically required party leaders or committee chairmen to step down if they are indicted on a felony charge. The new rule provides for a case-by-case review.
The change means DeLay could maintain his power if indicted in the investigation being conducted by Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle.
"Politicians in Congress are responsible for the leaders they choose. Their choices reflect their moral values," Earle wrote in an opinion piece published Tuesday in The New York Times. "The cynical destruction of moral values at the top makes it hard for law enforcement to do its job."
Source: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/10255206.htm?1c