Tom DeLay has stepped down as majority leader after being indicted for conspiracy regarding campaign finance by a Texas grand jury. David Dreier of California is said to be taking charge for awhile. We here at Diggers Realm have both hated and loved Dreier. Maybe this will give a little more weight to his proposed slap down of employers hiring illegal aliens. As for DeLay, well if he's a guilty bastard he deserves everything he gets. However, there are rumblings that the Travis County DA, Ronnie Earle, is just out for revenge.

AP

DeLay, 58, was accused of a criminal conspiracy along with two associates, John Colyandro, former executive director of a Texas political action committee formed by DeLay, and Jim Ellis, who heads DeLay's national political committee.

DeLay is the first House leader to be indicted while in office in at least a century, according to congressional historians.

"I have notified the speaker that I will temporarily step aside from my position as majority leader pursuant to rules of the House Republican Conference and the actions of the Travis County district attorney today," DeLay said in a statement.

Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., will recommend that Rep. David Dreier of California step into those duties, said GOP congressional officials. Some of the duties may go to the GOP whip, Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri. The Republican rank and file may meet as early as Wednesday night to act on Hastert's recommendation.

Tipped by: Wizbang

Other Commentary:

Michelle Malkin has great coverage.
Outside the Beltway has a good roundup.
JackLewis.net on Ronnie Earle's legacy
The Commissar has more on Ronnie Earle at The Politburo Diktat
VodkaPundit
SlantPoint
PoliBlog