DeLay Resigns His Majority Leadership Post

Delay is out as House Majority Leader:

It's been quite a fall for Tom DeLay, R-Texas, the House majority leader who formally stepped down today as he awaits trial on charges of conspiracy and money laundering. He retains his seat in Congress but reliquishes his leadership role.

In addition to his own legal troubles, which include charges that he laundered campaign money used in state legislature races, DeLay's association with lobbyist Jack Abramoff has further hurt his reputation. Abramoff pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges of conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion in a corruption probe that has linked him with lawmakers from both parties.

This is particularly satisfying given how hard DeLay and his allies have struggled to keep alive his hopes of returning as majority leader.

UPDATE:

Before stepping down as majority leader, Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX) "held a series of private discussions with current and former colleagues over the last two days, most of whom told him to give up any hope of returning to the leadership following Abramoff’s conviction," Roll Call reports.

Former RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie "even flew to Houston to offer DeLay the same advice. Gillespie and the GOP lawmakers told DeLay that it would be impossible for him to return as Majority Leader, a position also echoed by his senior aides. DeLay then decided that it was 'better to step down rather than be thrown out.'"

Several House Republican aides told Hotline On Call that "the White House sent Gillespie but also says DeLay "refused to meet with Gillespie."