Couldn't Happen To A Nicer Guy

House Majority Leader, Tom Delay, the second most powerful Republican in the House of Representatives, was indicted today by the state of Texas for Conspiracy in a Campaign Finance Scheme. A charge that is punishable by a jail sentence of six months to two years and a fine of up to $10,000. Delay founded a Texans for a Republican Majority PAC (TRMPAC), members of which were indicted earlier this year. The PAC is alleged to have been used to funnel corporate cash to various Republican reelection campaigns, a crime by Texas statutes. Because of the indictment, according to House Rules, Delay has to give up his leadership position. Delay, a major ally of the Bush administration has had major ethics problems in recent years. He was reprimanded three times last year for receiving gifts from lobbyists. He is also a friend of high powered lobbyist, Jack Abramoff who has himself been indicted essentially for bribery. Delay, nicknamed "The Hammer", was a major driver of Republican policy initiatives. While he is still allowed to reain in the House serving his district, he isn't allowed to drive the party. This should be a big help to the Democratic Party, who presently need all the help they can get. Roy Blunt (R-MO) will take the role of Majority Leader until Delay is found not guilty, or the Republican Party becomes the minority party.

In Iraq, 5 more Americans have lost their lives which brings the total to 43 in September, and 1927 in total.