DeLay Splits GOP

WASHINGTON - Rep. Christopher Shays said Sunday that fellow Republican Rep. Tom DeLay should step down as House majority leader because his continuing ethics problems are hurting the GOP.

“Tom’s conduct is hurting the Republican Party, is hurting this Republican majority and it is hurting any Republican who is up for re-election,” Shays told The Associated Press on Sunday.

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“My party is going to have to decide whether we are going to continue to make excuses for Tom to the detriment of Republicans seeking election,” Shays said.

AP - Sun Apr 10, 5:01 PM ET

Crawford, Texas (AP) — President Bush considers House Majority Leader Tom DeLay a friend and hopes to keep working with him, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Monday.

McClellan was asked if Bush was among those who believe the embattled Texas Republican should resign, or at least answer allegations of ethical misconduct.

“Majority Leader DeLay is someone the president considers a friend. And he is someone he has worked closely with to get things done in Washington,” McClellan said.

AP - Monday, April 11, 2005