Grownup Republicans speak on DeLay and Doolittle

Apr 24, minor edit.

FYI, several links in this post go to the House of Scandal, where the prose is overheated; try to look past the tone to the facts presented.

A recurrent question over the last few years - Where Are the Grownups in the Republican Party?   Slowly they've been emerging*; now one from our own state, Pete McCloskey, is speaking out.

From Friday's NY Times, 10 Ex-G.O.P. Lawmakers Attack Changes in Ethics Rules, McCloskey among them (*) -

"We offer no judgment on Mr. DeLay's actions in the obtaining of funds and favors from lobbyists and foreign agencies*, other than to note that they are the subject of continuing disclosure and discussion well outside the Beltway and in the heart of areas of strong respect for traditional Republican values of honesty and accountability," they said.

The position of our U.S. Representative?

John Doolittle said of DeLay, "I stand 150 percent behind him." *

More details on Doolittle-DeLay connections - including $10,000 from Doolittle to DeLay's legal fund - here; Doolittle is a man who puts his money where his mouth is.

From the April 8-14 issue of the Auburn Sentinel (published weekly; doesn't seem to be online), Mainstream GOP icon Pete McCloskey wants Doolittle ousted:

[McCloskey offered] blunt talk about replacing 4th District congressman[?? - ed.] John T. Doolittle, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and others for what he views as their "apostasy to true Republican principles"...McCloskey is encouraging mainstream/moderate Republicans to organize a search committee..."Republicans for Honesty in Government"...Doolittle is one of DeLay's lieutenants in the House leadership.

Coverage in The Union:

Search Results : McCloskey republican
No articles found.

Search Results : DeLay ethics
No articles found.

(irrelevant link removed)

More DeLay links:

Attendees said DeLay, in extremely brief remarks, told the senators that, if asked about his predicament, they should blame Democrats and their lack of an agenda.*

Wall St Journal rap sheet against DeLay posted here.

...how Tom DeLay has been able to stay in power despite years of scandal:
DeLay's fiefdom of cash and fear -- like so many political machines -- was based on transparent cronyism, bending the law, and other ethical lapses. (in Facing South)

Republicans are being told support for Mr. DeLay is mandatory if they want future support from conservatives. (via Lex)