DeLay's hopes of reclaiming his powerful position as House majority leader were dealt a blow by the ruling. He had hoped to have the charges resolved by the time Congress reconvened in late January, so he could step back into his role as majority leader. Although Monday's ruling was a partial victory, DeLay cannot reclaim the post because he is still under indictment.
And the longer the House goes without a permanent majority leader, the more likely it is that Republicans will elect a new one. |