When Rep. Chris Shays (R-Conn.) became the first congressional Republican to call on Tom DeLay to resign, the political establishment held its collective breath to see if it was the start of a trend. It never really materialized. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) said it’s “probably not the worst idea” for DeLay to step down, but that was nearly three weeks ago and the caucus has been supportive since.
But that doesn’t mean Republican concern over DeLay’s corruption has completely dissipated. Current GOP lawmakers are either rallying behind DeLay or biting their tongues, but some former GOP lawmakers are still hoping to restore some integrity to the party’s leadership.
A few weeks ago, we learned that 10 retired House Republicans — calling their initiative the “revolt of the elders” — expressed “grave concern” about attempts to shield DeLay from being held accountable for his transgressions. More recently, the group traveled to Texas — to find a primary opponent for the embattled House Majority Leader.
Former U.S. Rep. Pete McCloskey, in Houston Sunday for a conference on Palestinian issues, said he and other Republican elders are looking for a candidate to oppose U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Sugar Land.
“Tom DeLay is an embarrassment to the Republican Party,” said McCloskey, who represented Northern California from 1967 to 1983.
He met Sunday with Michael Fjetland, who was defeated by DeLay in Republican primaries in 2000 and 2002 and as an independent in the 2004 general election.
I realize that this is something of a long shot. Don’t forget, however, that a recent poll in DeLay’s district showed that only 38% of voters want to stick with him.
Fjetland obviously saw those poll results because he’s apparently taking the “elders'” advice.
Fjetland, 55, a lawyer from Missouri City, said he is forming a committee to see if he can gather enough support to take on DeLay in the primary.
“If DeLay is ever going to be defeated, this will be the time for it,” Fjetland said. “The people in the 22nd District are tired of his arrogance.”
The district is 60% Republican. I don’t know if Fjetland can beat DeLay in a primary fight, but a) I’d like to see him try; and b) if Fjetland gives him a tough time, DeLay might be easier to beat in the general election.
Either way, having long-time party leaders running around Texas calling DeLay “an embarrassment to the Republican Party,” is exactly the kind of development I want to see.